Reno has historically been one of the best cities in the country for video poker pay tables. While Las Vegas locals casinos get more attention, Reno's competitive market — where properties fight for a smaller player base — has kept Jacks or Better schedules strong.
What to Look For
The gold standard is 9/6 Jacks or Better: 9 coins for a Full House, 6 for a Flush (per coin bet). This schedule returns 99.54% with optimal strategy. In Reno, 9/6 JoB is still findable at multiple properties, though it's become less common over time.
If 9/6 isn't available, the next best is 8/6 (98.39%) or 8/5 (97.30%). Below 8/5, you're paying a significant premium for the convenience of playing.
Where to Check
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Atlantis is consistently one of Reno's best properties for VP. It operates independently (no national network), which gives it flexibility on pay tables. Check the main floor and the high-limit area for 9/6 JoB. Atlantis has historically maintained competitive VP to attract locals who know pay tables.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Peppermill is another major independent property that has traditionally offered good VP. The casino floor is large, and VP machines are spread across multiple sections. Check both the main floor and bar-top machines for the best schedules.
Grand Sierra Resort (GSR)
GSR is the largest resort in Reno. Its size means variety — different sections of the floor may have different pay tables for the same game. Walk the floor and compare before settling in. The casino hosts regular promotions that can add value on top of the pay table.
Tamarack Junction Casino
Tamarack is a small locals casino south of downtown Reno. It doesn't have the resort amenities of Atlantis or Peppermill, but its pay tables can be surprisingly competitive because it needs to attract serious local players who would otherwise go to larger properties.
Reno vs. Las Vegas for JoB
| Factor | Reno | Las Vegas (Locals) | Las Vegas (Strip) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 JoB availability | Good | Good | Rare |
| Competition level | High (smaller market) | High | Low |
| Drink service | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Loyalty programs | Mostly independent | MGM, Caesars, Boyd, Station | MGM, Caesars |
| Room comps for VP | Achievable | Achievable | Difficult |
Reno's advantage: the properties are close together, making it easy to compare pay tables at four or five casinos in a single afternoon.
Tips for Reno VP Players
- Check vpFREE2. The online database tracks pay table reports from players across the country, including Reno. It's the best pre-visit research tool.
- Walk the full floor. Different denominations and different sections of the same casino may have different JoB schedules.
- Play at the quarter level or above. Nickel multi-line VP almost always has the worst pay tables. Quarter and dollar single-line games are where the value is.
- Use your player's card. Even at independent casinos, the loyalty programs offer meaningful comps for regular play.