I highly recommend Monticello Casino if you are a serious, regular slot player. I have hit 3 big jackpots (over 25K each) in a 10 year period and thank Goodness they do take out the taxes. I hit once in AC at the Borgata for 12K and was sorry at tax time. AC is great for comps but I rarely see big wins.
I spend 2 months a year at AC and 10 months a year at Monticello. If you play with the Player's Card everything seems to balance out in the long run. I have tried the PA casinos (Mohegan Sun and Mount Airy) and thought they were the absolute worst, tightest machines. I find it hard to believe they are Class III machines.
Yes, Monticello slots are VGM's or Class II machines but MANY of them are progressives which other casinos do not have. It's safe, clean and you can always find a slot attendant. The Buffet is very good but the Food Court has just downsized. Still you can get great tasting Jewish style Deli subs. It also offers live harness racing right out the back doors of the casino Mon thru Thurs.
I go to monti when i visit my niece. Most times i win money or leave with what i came. There r certain times when you can win better but i wont say. Never play when they have a big promotion you will not even hit a bonus. Not alot to choose when it comes to food but no complaints in taste. Would not recommend for a special trip but if ur in area i recommend. People r friendly and we all cheer each other on. I live 10 mins from empire city and will never play there only go to turn in scratch tickets.
Go there when i visit relatives. Pleasant atmosphere. I either come out even or win a couple of hundred. Which is much better thaen empire city. The food is not exciting but it taste good. People are always friendly and u can always start up a conversation. I have seen good money won but you wont be a millionaire. I recommend this racino.
The place is a rip off. As Slotman says all the machines including video poker are all controlled by a central computer in Albany and not the Random Number Generator like those in Atlantic City or any of the casinos in Pennsylvania. The payoff on video poker is a miserable 92%. Whereas you can play Jacks and Better in Pennsylvania at 99%. The computer in Albany spits out so many winners that day and that is it. Playing in Monticello or Yonkers is the same as buying scratch off tickets. Why New York State chose to go this route is disgraceful. Why not give the public a fair chance?