Pokin’ Around goes literal this week. Driving around town, I noticed a Dotty’s and thought to myself, “Hey, why not; I’ve never been there!”
I’ve heard the stories about convenience and lately regarding an opposing view that the 64 locations across Nevada are either “operating as a legal tavern or as an illegal casino.” That’s a debate the courts will decide, not here in this column.
For me, I went out of curiosity to find out if those video poker machines may possibly be better than the ones I frequently lose to at various restaurant/bars across Las Vegas.
And, I came away impressed – to a point.
Dotty’s is like playing in your living room with a convenience store in your kitchen. If you want water, soft drinks or cigarettes during breaks from your game, then this is definitely your hangout.
It’s roomy, clean and comfy with some machines having lounge-type chairs. And it’s pleasantly quiet and private. I stopped in the first time to try my hand at Deuces Wild (a failure), then stopped back a couple of hours later to see if the environment had changed.
Sure enough, some of the same people I saw the first time were still around playing. That’s a good sign either for loyalty, success at the machines or boredom. Whatever the reason, it’s sure good business. The fact Dotty’s is open 24 hours only magnifies the point.
I spoke with one of the managers, a pleasant lady who had been employed there just a few weeks. She did not wish to be photographed, identified or recorded, but did say how nice it was to work there.
Personally, I don’t see how Dotty’s is a threat to the casinos because there are only around 15 machines – at least that’s what I counted in this particular one on West Sahara.
Plus, there are no slots, which many enjoy playing – especially the penny variety with all the promises of extra spins, bonus rounds, unique special effects, and amped up sound systems (Dirty Dancing is my latest slot vice).
Would I go back to Dotty’s? Probably not. I don’t really like losing my money to video games. I would much rather do it at the sports books, where I feel I have a far better chance to win. I much prefer games based on research and knowledge, rather than chance.
I kicked the blackjack habit a few years ago, though craps is still a temptation – especially those $3 minimums. Anyway, as far as Dotty’s is concerned, it’s all that is advertised – a comfortable, convenient stop for those gamblers who enjoy playing video poker or video keno around the corner from where they reside.
Variety is the spice of life and any gambling that is closely regulated is fine by me.