Central City is Black Hawk's quieter neighbor — one mile up the road, with far fewer casinos and far fewer crowds. For video poker players who want competitive pay tables without the weekend traffic jams of Black Hawk, Central City is worth the detour.
The Central City Properties
Central City has only a handful of casinos, but the two main ones maintain solid video poker selections:
Century Casino Central City
Century is the anchor property in Central City. They maintain Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker variants at multiple denominations, with competitive pay tables that rival Black Hawk's larger properties. The loyalty program runs frequent promotions targeted at regular players, including point multipliers and earn-and-get events.
The atmosphere is more intimate than Black Hawk's mega-casinos. Expect a locals-oriented crowd, especially on weekdays.
Grand Z Casino Hotel
Grand Z offers a hotel alongside its gaming floor, making it a reasonable base for a multi-day Colorado gambling trip. The video poker selection includes standard Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild variants. The property tends to run aggressive room deals to attract players who might otherwise stay in Black Hawk.
Central City vs. Black Hawk
The two towns are so close that comparing them is unavoidable:
| Factor | Central City | Black Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Number of casinos | 3-4 | 12+ |
| Crowds | Light, even weekends | Heavy on weekends |
| Pay table quality | Competitive | Varies widely |
| Hotel options | Grand Z | Monarch, Ameristar, others |
| Loyalty programs | Independent | National chains available |
| Promotions | Aggressive (competing for traffic) | Standard |
Central City's main advantage is that it tries harder. With fewer visitors, the casinos need to offer better value to pull players away from Black Hawk's larger properties. This often shows up in promotions, comp rates, and occasionally in pay tables.
Practical Tips
Drive from Black Hawk. If you're already in Black Hawk and the machines are full or the pay tables are tight, Central City is a one-mile drive up Gregory Street. You can check both towns in a single trip.
Use the same Colorado considerations. Everything about altitude, driving conditions, and the post-2021 bet limit removal applies equally here. See our Black Hawk guide for details.
Check the promotions calendar. Central City casinos publish weekly and monthly promotions online. Timing your visit to coincide with a multiplier day or gift giveaway can add meaningful value to your session.
Central City won't replace Black Hawk for most video poker players, but it's a genuine alternative — especially for those who value a relaxed environment over resort amenities.