It’s been a summer of casino visits and openings.  First, we started with both Maine casinos, investigating the new Oxford Hotel and Ox Pub. Then, two trips to AC to check out two new hotel/casinos on the Boardwalk – Hard Rock & Ocean, staying at each as well Borgata. Then a two night stay at MGM Springfield.

Finally, our last quest was to visit Tiverton Casino Hotel.

We will stay over another time.  This was just a quick look the weekend of its opening. And I’m glad we did.  I would characterize it as a cute “boutique” casino & hotel. It’s not big, but well done with some things I haven’t ever seen.

The first positive was that there IS underground parking.  From previous renditions, I thought there was only uncovered parking in front of the casino.

The entrance was nicely done, with the hotel lobby and hotel entrance directly to the right. The place is bright and welcoming. But the real star, the only on of its kind in New England, is the iPourIt Wall. iPourIt recently installed a 26 tap self-serve beer wall!  This is really cool – here’s how it works.

1. Go to the Center Bar, get special Tiverton iPourIt card, which you keep and is connected to your credit card.
2. Hold the card against drinking choice, a green light shows up
3. Then, just pour

It’s that simple.  You can pour up to 32 oz. before returning to center bar to do it all again.  You can pour as much or as little wine or beer as you like. A group of 4 small beer glasses are available for beer flights.  The beer and wine selections are fantastic.  The Newport Craft Brewing Frosty Freeze Stout and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale were tops.  The also have craft IPA’s, as well as familiar names like Blue Moon and Dogfish Head. There is a small area to sit, drink and listen to music.

Thanks to Mackenzie, the beverage manager for her great explanation and discussion about iPourIt.  I know its a nice new casino, but who needs gambling with this?  and yes, you can bring your beverage back to your favorite slot or table game.

Here’s the rest of our report:

 GAMBLING

Casino feature’s 32 table games and up to 1,000 slot machines, 18 Hybrid stadium gaming stations for baccarat, roulette & blackjack.

Table games (with lowest minimums noted) include Blackjack ($15, $25, $50), Roulette ($10), Baccarat, Three Card Poker ($15), Craps ($10), Spanish 21, Let It Ride, and Pai Gow Poker. (although 1 baccarat table was the only Asian game choice open at 10:00 on a Sunday)

It feels more spacious than MGM, with more space in the slot aisles. Similar to MGM Springfield, they offer the latest in slot games, only 40% less than Springfield.  Thew difference is that MGM Springfield is a destination resort where Tiverton is a boutique convenience casino/hotel.

If I thought the video poker wasn’t playable in Springfield, the VP at Tiverton, like its parent casino Twin River, is pathetic. Twenty machines at the quarter denomination, JOB is 7/5, Bonus is 6/5, DDB 8/5.  There are deuces vp in the old VLT’s from Twin River’s early days of slots, but pay tables are still questionable. (Royals are 2000 credits)

From those days of old, there are 19 VLT – Power Station Classics – to the right of the self pour beer and wine station.

Bonus slot play is property specific, so even though points can be earned together at both TR & TIV, slot play offers can only be played at property offering it.

Rewards desk is immediately left after entering. Racebook is very small – 12 seats.

Ample restrooms throughout along the perimeter.  And yes, they have cool hand blowers on each side of the faucet at each sink (see image below)

Smoking is allowed, with the exception of a small non smoking area next to the food court.

But the smoking is not as big of a deal at this property due to 18,000 vents in the floor giving the casino a ventilation system that blows in fresh air from vents on the floor.

There is a VIP lounge for top level players, but wasn’t open yet. 6 high limit slots are outside the entrance.

Entertainment will include DJ’s and small groups on the stage behind Center Bar

Dining includes two fine dining- Trattoria Romana, and Tuscan Chophouse.The fast-food options are Mooyah, which serves burgers and fries, Pie Five Pizza Co., and Jacky’s Galaxie Sushi Bar. There’s also a Dunkin’ Donuts near the entrance of the hotel.

It was a quick trip, but we will be back. It was comfortable, but not very large. Next time we’ll stay over, play some table games and pour our own brews – all the more reason to try their hotel!

Binbin