Maine had two commercial casino properties that would visit annually before the pandemic closed. We visited Hollywood, Bangor, and Oxford properties on our last Maine Casino tour. We are confident that our comparison proves one thing – Oxford Is Maine’s Casino Destination.
Related Post – Gambling in Maine-The Pine Tree State
Oxford Casino and Hotel opened in 2012 and was purchased by Churchill Downs LTD soon after. As only a tiny casino, Oxford was located out in the woods of central Maine. So it continued until Hilton built a Hampton Inn across the street, and Churchill Downs expanded. A hotel was built attached to the casino, dining options were increased with the Ox Pub, and the casino was expanded.
Related Post – Oxford Casino Opens New Hotel in Maine as Part of Expansion Plan
Oxford Is Maine’s Casino Destination
Poland is a town famous for Poland Springs bottled water. Upon arriving in Oxford, it brought back memories of old roads, construction, and a town best known by the town next door. However, Oxford grew with its casino and now is a town on the move.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn across the street this year instead of the hotel casino like last year. Hampton Inn is supplied with a dedicated shuttle from Oxford Casino to cross the dangerous road that separates them. Both hotels are a great stay, with the Oxford Hotel usually a little higher price.
Oxford Casino
We arrived midweek, and it seems every day at Oxford has at least one promotion. This day had Score Four and a promotion for a free buffet after earning 400 players points. Bert and I quickly made the free buffet by playing 60 cents on slots for two hours. Sweet! The buffet in the Oxford Grille was quite good, with tender turkey, savory sausage, peppers, onions, and excellent pasta with summer squash and zucchini. If not accessible, players can use ten players’ points from their Oxford Rewards account.
The slots are packed in, similar to how MGM Springfield began. Many of the newest slots with older favorites spread around them. The casino floor was buzzing with lots of players. Table games were close to maxed out with few chairs available. Oxford offered two roulette, one Craps, four Blackjack, and other table games. Rules were good, but minimums started at $10. The only $5 table was 3 Card Poker. The only tables not full of players were mini-bac and 4 Card Poker.
Dining – Maine’s Casino Destination
Three dining options are available on the property. But the Ox Pub is the best choice for a good meal and drinks. The taps are predominately Maine craft brewers. But NETG would like to see one more eatery available for the more extensive clientele.
Random Points
- Video poker continues to be better. However, pay tables and various games are below the expected standard. Even Hollywood Bangor has one Ultimate X machine.
- I could not find any Video of Keno. Maybe some of the Game King machines in another room included it, but if so, that would make about 8.
- Oxford Hotel Lobby is an excellent place to get away from it all. Comfy chairs, quieter and decent Wi-Fi.
- If you are a Hilton Rewards member, stay at the Hampton Inn, and get credit. They also have a great breakfast.
- Both Maine casinos are smoke-free, indeed self-service beverage stations, and do not comp drinks.
It’s always fun to go up to Maine for a casino trip. We also found two little food suggestions. Try Figgy’s in Portland. Great skillet-fried chicken by a Food Channel Chopped Champion. And oddly enough, one Irving Gas stop in Newport, ME, includes a great little restaurant with breakfast all day. Get the fried bologna as a side!
Binbin
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