Ameristar Casino Resort Spa is one of the two major resorts in Black Hawk, Colorado, and part of PENN Entertainment's national network. For video poker players, Ameristar offers a large gaming floor, competitive pay tables in the high-limit area, and the advantage of PENN Play rewards integration.
The Video Poker Floor
Ameristar's gaming floor is among the largest in Black Hawk. The video poker section includes:
- Jacks or Better at quarter, half-dollar, and dollar denominations
- Bonus Poker and Double Bonus variants
- Multi-game IGT terminals with 10+ game options
- Bar-top video poker at the main casino bars
Main floor pay tables tend to be standard for the Black Hawk market — typically 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%) or 8/6 Jacks or Better (98.39%) at quarter denomination. Not the best in Black Hawk, but playable.
High-limit room is where Ameristar shines for video poker. At $1 and higher denominations, you can find 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) and occasionally better pay tables on bonus games. If your bankroll supports dollar play, the high-limit room should be your first stop.
PENN Play Rewards
Ameristar's biggest differentiator is the PENN Play network. Your play here earns points usable at 40+ PENN properties nationwide, including:
- M Resort (Las Vegas)
- Hollywood Casino (multiple locations)
- L'Auberge (Lake Charles, Baton Rouge)
- Ameristar (multiple locations)
For players who travel to other PENN properties, this national reach adds significant value. Your Black Hawk sessions contribute to the same tier status and point balance used everywhere else in the network.
Ameristar vs. Monarch
The natural comparison in Black Hawk is Ameristar vs. Monarch, the other mega-resort:
| Factor | Ameristar | Monarch |
|---|---|---|
| Network | PENN Play (national) | Monarch Rewards (independent) |
| Main floor VP | Standard (8/5 BP) | Slightly better |
| High-limit VP | Competitive | Best in Black Hawk |
| Hotel quality | Resort-style | Resort-style (newer) |
| Best for | PENN Play travelers | Best pay tables locally |
Choose Ameristar if: You play at PENN properties elsewhere and want to concentrate your rewards. The national network value can outweigh a slight pay table disadvantage.
Choose Monarch if: You're optimizing purely for pay table quality in Black Hawk and don't need national network rewards.
Tips for Ameristar Players
Check high-limit first. The pay table gap between Ameristar's main floor and high-limit room is significant. Even if you usually play quarters, consider whether a shorter session at dollar denomination in high-limit might offer better total value.
Watch for PENN Play promotions. PENN runs national multiplier events that apply at all properties, including Ameristar. A 3x multiplier at Ameristar stacks with any local promotions.
Use the resort amenities. Ameristar is a full resort with hotel, spa, and restaurants. If your play level qualifies for room offers, staying on-property makes multi-session days more practical — no driving back to Denver between sessions.
For more on the Black Hawk market, see our Black Hawk guide.