The Casino At Nemacolin Review
The Casino at Nemacolin is situated within Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, a premier luxury resort occupying 2,200 acres located in Farmington, PA, about 40 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.
This Pennsylvania retail casino previously required a $10 amenity fee for patrons who were not hotel or resort members or guests, but that fee is no more. Guests from around the state can now visit The Casino at Nemacolin without an overnight stay, taking advantage of the amenities, entertainment, and games they so choose.
The Casino at Nemacolin Location
The Casino at Nemacolin
4067 National Pike
Farmington, PA 15437
1-724-329-7500
Latest on Nemacolin’s lack of online options
The Casino at Nemacolin (then Lady Luck Nemacolin) is one of only two Pennsylvania venues that didn’t apply for any PA online gambling licenses. Like Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, it is not expected to file for an online casino in Pennsylvania. Another, Meadows Casino, didn’t file initially but now has a license to offer Pennsylvania online sports betting, which it does through the popular DraftKings Sportsbook brand.
So, no online product for the Farmington-area property in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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About The Casino at Nemacolin Resort
An essential difference between Nemacolin and most other venues in Pennsylvania is that it is one of two licensed to operate in Pennsylvania in locations with existing hotel resorts. Because of their previous resort status, these casinos are subject to the following restrictions that don’t apply to the others in Pennsylvania:
- A maximum of 600 slot machines and 50 table games (whereas others can have up to 5,000 slot machines)
- Access to the casino floor was previously restricted to those who were guests of the resort or those with a resort membership, those attending a conference or private function at the resort, or those who had purchased $10 or more in resort amenities. Now, it is open to the public with no admission fee required.
The Casino at Nemacolin paid the one-time $1 million fee to remove the state-mandated amenity fee requirement on June 17, 2019. The other “resort casino” in PA, Valley Forge Casino, had done so in October 2017, so the amenity fee is now a relic of PA’s past.
Accommodations
The Nemacolin Resort first opened in 1987 and has since expanded considerably, with multiple new buildings and many activities added over the years. The casino, operated initially by the St. Louis-based gaming company Isle of Capri, did not open until July 1, 2013.
The resort also includes:
- Five different luxury hotels, ranging from lavish , stylized hotels to expansive estates
- Townhouses and private homes
- 1o restaurants and six bars and lounges
- World-class spa, holistic healing center, fitness center
- Golf course
- A shuttle bus takes guests all around the sprawling property
For many, playing it is not the primary reason for coming to Nemacolin. Many of the people who choose this somewhat out-of-the-way resort do so more for the opportunity to relax and be pampered than to gamble.
While some people do just come for the day, after factoring in the travel time and the various other facilities and activities you might want to take advantage of besides the casino, booking a room is probably a better option. But keep in mind that this is a Five Diamond resort and priced accordingly.
Resort packages and special offers
Depending on what types of amenities you are most interested in, The Casino at Nemacolin has several packages and special offers that we list for you here. You can obtain more information and book your reservation online or call a reservation specialist at 1-866-344-6957.
Who can play in the casino?
Previously, entry required a $10 amenity fee, unless you were a hotel guest or resort member. Now, the amenity fee is waived, and access is only limited to those 21 years of age and older. This state-mandated age requirement is strictly enforced.
The resort itself is family-friendly.
Even though children are not allowed on the gambling floor, they are welcome at the resort. In fact, the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington offers babysitting services and activities for kids of all ages. Beyond a pool, the resort features numerous activities, from ropes courses to bowling to ice skating (seasonal) to laser tag, golf, and more. There are activities for every age group.
Casino at Nemacolin overview
All land-based casinos, including The Casino at Nemacolin, are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Maintaining this license is contingent on them abiding by the strict regulations set forth by this agency regarding permissible games, rules, and payouts.
While The Casino at Nemacolin is smaller than some of the others in the state and doesn’t offer as many games, the security and quality of the games are in no way compromised. As with the other venues, the returns on the slot machines may fall short of your expectations. However, all of the games are fair and in full compliance with PGCB standards.
One clear advantage to playing at Nemacolin, which its discerning patrons no doubt appreciate, is that the exclusive nature of the resort and its remote location attract a high-class clientele.
Nemacolin Casino Games
The Casino at Nemacolin is open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Slot games run from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., while table games run from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Casino at Nemacolin has a total of 500 slot machines and 26 table games. There is no poker room. Non-gambling amenities are also minimal. Although there are lots of upscale dining options at the resort, within the gambling building itself, there is a casual sports bar and The Royale, a high-end steakhouse.
In addition to slots, players can choose from the following table games:
- Blackjack (including high-limit blackjack–minimum $50, maximum $2,500)
- Roulette
- Craps
- Three- and four-card poker
- Criss Cross Poker (Similar to Texas Hold ‘Em, but with the five community cards dealt in the shape of a cross)
- Mississippi Stud
- Blazing 7’s
Slots
The slot machines at The Casino at Nemacolin range from penny and nickel slots to high-limit slots. Even though the total number (600) pales in comparison to the thousands at other resorts, there is still more than enough variety to satisfy most players. Your choices run the gamut from familiar favorites to new games you may be seeing for the first time.
An important caveat if you decide to play slots (or any other game in Pennsylvania) is that the return to the player (RTP) is nothing to write home about. Penny machines especially pay back at a lower percentage than higher-denomination machines. However, due to the relatively high 55% tax rate on Pennsylvania slots, venues tend not to be generous with their slot payouts, even for machines taking higher denomination bets.
Roulette
If you have an option to play either American roulette or European roulette at Casino at Nemacolin, be sure to choose the latter. Because this game uses a single zero only instead of both a single and double zero, the house edge is 2.71 percent compared to 5.26 percent.
Blackjack
If you would like to do any extended playing at Casino at Nemacolin, blackjack is probably your best bet. What distinguishes blackjack from most other casino games is that the outcome is based on a combination of both luck and skill. In addition, certain variations in the rules can make the game either more or less favorable to the player. Pennsylvania happens to be a state whose blackjack rules are among the best in the US While there may be some variations between one site and another in table limits, number of decks (six or eight), type of shuffle, and optional side bets, the basic rules delineated by the PGCB are standard statewide:
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Doubling down permitted on any two cards
- Doubling down after splits
- Splits up to three hands (except aces)
- Late surrender
Using the correct basic strategy, the house edge on this game is only about .40 percent. At Nemacolin, blackjack players can also make a variety of side bets. Since the side bets have a higher house edge than standard blackjack bets, if you play these gimmicky bets, they should be small bets that you make occasionally, just for fun.
Bet Top 3 (also called 21 + 3 Xtreme)
If your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard create certain types of three-card poker hands, you win five to 30 times your bet.
Bet the Set
You win if your first two cards are a pair, and win more if they are a suited pair.
Royal Match
You win if your first two cards are suited. You win a top bonus for a king and queen that are suited.
King’s Bounty
King’s Bounty is a side bet that your first two cards will total 20. However, sure in rare hands can net you a higher payout. Get two kings of spades when playing vs. a blackjack dealer, and you hit the jackpot.
House Money
If your first two cards are either A-K suited, a straight flush, a pair, or a straight, you’re a winner. With the House Money bet, you then have the option to either collect your winnings or add them to your original bet. In other words, you can play the hand in part with the house’s money.
Table limits
First-time visitors might assume that because Nemacolin is such an exclusive resort, the gambling floor is for high rollers only. However, this is not the case at all. As mentioned, there are penny slots along with higher-denomination slots, and there are modest stakes table games as well.
The main reason for the lack of appreciable high-stakes table gameplay is that the Casino at Nemacolin’s rewards program only rewards slot play. The usual practice is for resorts to comp slot players at a faster rate than table game players, but if the table game play meets specific standards, it is rewarded as well. Unfortunately, there is no indication that The Casino at Nemacolin gives table game players anything back in return.
It is not unreasonable for players willing to give heavy action (i.e., $100+ blackjack or craps bets over an extended period) to expect to be lavished with free room, food, beverage, and entertainment comps. Nor is it unreasonable for a player betting $25 for four or more hours to receive a non-gourmet meal comp. Several other retailers in the state allow players to earn points towards future comps on both slots and table games. With that in mind, there is no incentive for mid to high stakes table game players to patronize a casino that offers no rewards.
The Casino at Nemacolin Rewards Club
The Casino at Nemacolin players can join the Rewards Club for free.
You receive points on every game you play on your way to three different player tiers. As well, by joining, you’ll unlock access to exclusive promos, offers, and tournaments.
Three-tiered rewards program
The Casino at Nemacolin Players Club has three tiers. The higher your tier (based on play), the bigger your benefits. The three tiers are:
-
- Tier 1 (Silver – tier score up to 39,999 points)
- Tier 2 (Gold – requiring a minimum tier score of 40,000-124,999 points)
- Tier 3 (Black – requiring a minimum tier score of 125,000+ points)
Players in Tier 2 and Tier 3 receive monthly point multipliers of 2x and 3x, respectively.
Tier 2 and up also receive birthday offers and priority restaurant services. Starting at Tier 3, players also receive:
- Eligibility for hosting
- Priority Players Club and restaurant service
- Complimentary check cashing
Summary
The Casino at Nemacolin is not for everyone. But if you appreciate the finer things in life and can afford first-class treatment, this resort may be for you. If you want an overnight or longer stay at a posh resort where you can get away from it all and not only play some of your favorite games, but also relax, unwind, and be rejuvenated, this resort is for you.
Nemacolin may attract more day visitors now that the amenity fee has been dropped. But if you are searching for a resort with bustling nightlife, it’s not the strong suit of The Casino at Nemacolin.
Another common complaint, surprisingly, is that the gambling floor is very smoky. This is a facility that promotes wellness in a big way, but not only is smoking permitted, but customers are also complaining that even in the nonsmoking areas, one can still smell the smoke.
On the other hand, customers have nothing but nice things to say about the friendly staff and high level of service. The special children’s programs also make this resort an excellent choice for a family getaway.
