Golden Gate is the oldest hotel in Las Vegas. It opened in 1905. Golden Gate was among the first hotels to receive a Nevada gaming license after gambling was legalized in 1931.
The building’s age shows in its casino floor. The ceilings are very low compared to other casinos. This creates a loud and smoky environment. The hotel rooms are remodeled but the bathrooms are straight out of a World War II era locker room. The walls and ceilings in the hotel are extremely thin, making them among the loudest hotel rooms in Las Vegas.
Golden Gate has split personalities. It is a classy old style downtown casino during the day. At 6pm, the casino floor transforms into a party pit with scantily clad female dealers.
Golden Gate Tables and Games
There are two types of blackjack games at Golden Gate. All pay 3-2 on a natural.
There is double deck Free Bet Blackjack. There are two of these tables. Players receive a free double down on 9, 10 and 11. Players may split for free on all pairs except 10-value cards. The dealer hits soft 17. The limits are $5 to $2,500.
There are 13 six-deck blackjack games. All of these games use a continuous shuffle machine. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. The dealer hits soft 17. Bet limits are $5 to $2,500. The house edge on this game is 0.65%.
There are three high limit blackjack tables a few steps above the main casino floor. Six decks are used. The minimum bet is $15 during the day and $25 on weekends. The cap is $5,000. These tables have the same rules as the main casino floor. The only difference is that the games are hand shuffled.
Golden Gate Players Card for Frequent Blackjack Players
Golden Gate is very generous with comps. A $10 bettor will receive two free $10 slot plays each month and a free room. Green chip players will receive two $25 free plays each month. The $25 play can be used at table games instead of slots. The change can be requested at the players club deck. A $15 food voucher is included in all Golden Gate mailers. It may be redeemed at Dupar’s, which is a 24-hour diner. It specializes in the $3.49 shrimp cocktail, as well as a wide variety of breakfast and deli items. There is also a prime rib special and daily blue plates.
What’s Different?
All blackjacks at Golden Gate pay 3-2. Players will find $5 blackjack nearly 24 hours a day. The only exception is on weekend nights. All six-deck tables on the main floor use continuous shuffle machines. The high limit tables hand shuffle. The entire casino becomes a party pit at 6pm nightly.
The Inside View
Every blackjack game at Golden Gate pays 3-2 on a natural. Unfortunately, there is no surrender and split aces that receive an ace cannot be split again. Golden Nugget is the only place that you will find those player friendly rules in downtown Las Vegas.
Golden Gate is a great place to play $5 and $10 blackjack. During the day, dealers carry the speakeasy theme. At night, it becomes a party pit full of scantily clad female dealers. Comps are extremely easy to acquire at Golden Gate. Players looking for a free room with little action should consider playing here.