The four largest casino operators in Las Vegas each treat video poker differently. For players choosing where to concentrate their play, the operator's approach to pay tables, loyalty rewards, and comp structure matters as much as any individual property.
The Four Operators at a Glance
| Operator | Key Properties | VP Pay Tables | Loyalty Program | VP Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Resorts | Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Borgata | Tight on Strip floor; better in HL | MGM Rewards | Low |
| Caesars Entertainment | Caesars Palace, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's | Tight on Strip; decent in HL | Caesars Rewards | Low-Medium |
| Wynn Resorts | Wynn, Encore | Worst on Strip for VP | Wynn Rewards | Very Low |
| Las Vegas Sands | Venetian, Palazzo | Below average for VP | Venetian Rewards | Low |
None of these Strip operators prioritize video poker. They make their money from table games, slots, hotel rooms, and entertainment. Video poker is an afterthought on the Strip.
MGM Resorts
Video poker approach: MGM's Strip properties (Bellagio, MGM Grand, Aria, Mandalay Bay) offer poor video poker on the main floor — typically 7/5 or 8/5 Jacks or Better. High-limit rooms occasionally have better options.
Where MGM shines for VP: Off-Strip and regional properties. The Orleans (Boyd, not MGM, but often confused), and MGM's regional properties like Borgata (Atlantic City) and Beau Rivage (Biloxi) offer significantly better video poker than the Las Vegas Strip locations.
MGM Rewards: Tier-based with Gold, Platinum, and Pearl levels. The program is valuable for hotel comps and resort fee waivers. VP players can earn status through regional properties and use it in Las Vegas.
Caesars Entertainment
Video poker approach: Caesars has the most video poker machines on the Strip (across Caesars Palace, Paris, Flamingo, Harrah's, The LINQ, etc.), but main floor pay tables are standard Strip-tight. The high-limit rooms at Caesars Palace are the best bet.
Where Caesars shines for VP: Their off-Strip and regional network. Horseshoe properties in Bossier City, Tunica, and elsewhere often have strong video poker. Harrah's locations vary but some regional ones are decent.
Caesars Rewards: The most widespread loyalty program in the US. Diamond and Seven Stars status unlocks meaningful benefits (lounge access, resort fee waivers, priority service). The program's reach across 50+ properties is its biggest advantage.
Wynn Resorts
Video poker approach: Wynn and Encore have the worst video poker value on the Strip. The properties focus on ultra-premium table games and slots. Video poker machines exist but pay tables are poor, and the volume of machines is small.
When to play at Wynn: Only if you're already playing table games or slots at Wynn and want to add some VP. There is no video poker reason to choose Wynn over any other operator.
Las Vegas Sands (Venetian/Palazzo)
Video poker approach: Similar to Wynn — the focus is on other games. Venetian and Palazzo have video poker, but the pay tables are below average and the selection is limited.
Venetian Rewards: A newer loyalty program that's less established than MGM or Caesars. The comp structure is oriented toward hotel and dining rather than cashback.
Which Operator to Choose for Video Poker
For serious VP players: None of these — play at locals casinos (South Point, Station, Boyd). The four major Strip operators are not video poker-friendly.
If you must choose a Strip operator:
- Caesars — Most VP machines, widest national network, best high-limit room options
- MGM — Strong regional properties (Borgata, Beau Rivage) that offset weak Strip VP
- Sands — Distant third
- Wynn — Avoid for VP
For comp/status building: Caesars Rewards offers the most value per dollar of VP play, especially if you combine Strip sessions with play at their stronger regional properties.
The bottom line: all four Strip operators are inferior to Las Vegas locals casinos for video poker. If you play on the Strip, do it for the experience and the loyalty status — not for the pay tables.