Monarch Casino Resort Spa is widely considered the best video poker property in Colorado. After a major expansion that added a hotel tower, spa, and multiple restaurants, Monarch transformed from a mid-size casino into Black Hawk's premier resort. For video poker players, the draw is simple: the best pay tables in the state.
Video Poker at Monarch
Monarch's video poker section is the strongest in Black Hawk:
- Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus, and Double Double Bonus variants
- Denominations from quarters through $25
- Deuces Wild on multi-game terminals
- Bar-top video poker throughout the property
- Dedicated high-limit electronic gaming area
High-limit room: 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) is consistently available at $1 and higher. This is the best base pay table you'll reliably find in Colorado. Some bonus game variants also have competitive pay tables at high denominations.
Main floor: Better than most Black Hawk competitors. Monarch's quarter-denomination machines tend to carry 8/6 Jacks or Better or 8/5 Bonus Poker — not full pay, but above average for the market.
Bar-top: Several bars throughout the property have video poker, with pay tables that vary by location. The high-end bars tend to have better machines than the casual bars near the entrance.
Monarch Rewards
Monarch operates an independent loyalty program — Monarch Rewards — rather than being part of a national chain. This has pros and cons:
Advantages:
- Your play is evaluated against Monarch's own thresholds, not diluted across 40+ national properties
- Comp rates and promotional offers can be more generous for consistent local players
- Direct relationship with hosts who know the property
Disadvantages:
- No national network — your Monarch play doesn't help you at Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or other markets
- Tier status only applies at Monarch
For players who primarily play in Colorado, the independent program is arguably better. For travelers who also play in Las Vegas or elsewhere, the lack of national reach is a real trade-off.
Why Monarch Leads Colorado
Pay table quality. Monarch consistently offers the best video poker pay tables in Black Hawk, both on the main floor and in high-limit. The gap between Monarch and the next-best property is noticeable.
Resort experience. Since the expansion, Monarch is a genuine resort — hotel rooms, spa, multiple restaurants, and a rooftop pool. Comp rooms here feel like a real perk.
Player treatment. The independent program means Monarch's hosts and promotions team focus exclusively on their own players. Regular players report responsive host service and competitive promotional offers.
Monarch vs. Ameristar
| Factor | Monarch | Ameristar (PENN) |
|---|---|---|
| VP pay tables | Best in Colorado | Slightly below Monarch |
| Network | Independent | PENN Play (national) |
| Hotel | Yes (newer, upscale) | Yes (resort-style) |
| Best for | Best local VP value | National network travelers |
Tips
Go to Monarch first. If you're visiting Black Hawk for video poker, start at Monarch's high-limit room. The pay tables are the benchmark for the market.
Sign up for Monarch Rewards immediately. Even a single session generates data that Monarch uses for future offers. The sooner you're in the system, the sooner promotional offers start arriving.
Stay on-property if offered. Room comps at Monarch are worth accepting — the hotel is genuinely nice, and staying on-property lets you play multiple sessions across a weekend without the Denver commute.
Consider multi-property visits. Monarch for pay tables, Ameristar for PENN Play points, Horseshoe for Caesars Rewards — Black Hawk lets you maintain three loyalty programs in a single afternoon.
For the full Colorado market, see our Black Hawk guide.