Black Hawk's casino market is compact — a dozen properties in a narrow mountain canyon — but the comp competition is real. Each property uses its loyalty program to attract Denver-area regulars who might otherwise drive to a competitor five minutes away.
The Properties
1. Monarch Casino Resort Spa (Independent)
Monarch's independent loyalty program means your comps stay at Monarch — no national network. The upside: Monarch has full control over comp rates and doesn't answer to a corporate office setting uniform policies. For regular visitors, Monarch's host program can be generous because it needs to compete with the national chains next door.
2. Ameristar Black Hawk (PENN Play)
PENN Entertainment's network gives your Black Hawk play national value. Tier credits earned at Ameristar count toward status at Hollywood, L'Auberge, and other PENN properties. If you travel to other PENN casinos, building status in Black Hawk (where competition for your play is less intense than in Vegas) is an efficient strategy.
3. Horseshoe Black Hawk (Caesars Rewards)
Caesars Rewards is the largest loyalty network in the US. Building status at Horseshoe Black Hawk — where your play stands out more than at Caesars Palace — can unlock room offers, resort fee waivers, and lounge access at 50+ properties. For Denver players who also visit Las Vegas, this is the most strategically valuable comp program in Black Hawk.
4. The Lodge Casino
The Lodge is smaller and older, but smaller properties sometimes offer better comp rates to compete. Ask the rewards desk about their VP earning rate — it may surprise you compared to the bigger properties.
5. Z Casino (formerly Lady Luck)
A small property in Black Hawk that offers a straightforward comp program. The value here is in occasional aggressive promotions aimed at attracting players from the larger casinos.
The National Network Advantage
Black Hawk's biggest comp value isn't what you earn in Black Hawk — it's what you earn for use elsewhere. A Denver player who visits Ameristar monthly can build PENN Gold status, which unlocks room offers at PENN properties in Las Vegas. Similarly, Horseshoe play builds Caesars status for Vegas trips.
| Property | Network | National Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monarch | Independent | 1 | Local comp value |
| Ameristar | PENN Play | 40+ | PENN network status |
| Horseshoe | Caesars Rewards | 50+ | Caesars network status |
| The Lodge | Independent | 1 | Promotional offers |
Tips
- Don't split play between Ameristar and Horseshoe. Pick one national network and concentrate. Building Caesars Diamond is more valuable than having low status in both PENN and Caesars.
- Check Monarch's current promotions. Independent casinos run more aggressive promotions to compete with the chains.
- Factor in the drive. If you're coming from Denver weekly, the gas and time cost is real. Make sure your comp earning justifies the trip.
For the full overview, see our Black Hawk casino guide.