Vernon Downs Casino
Vernon Downs Casino
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.5
162 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
56
Average
32
Poor
12
Terrible
16
Dooedd714
East Stroudsburg, PA252 contributions
Oct 2020
A short drive from Turning Stone. Dont know why but it seems dark and depressing but have always had fun and won at slots. In a way it is low key with alot of us old folks but if in area worth it for a short visit. Wish they would get rid of that stupid bell every time you win anything, brighten up the place, and upgrade the slots more. Still worth a visit. Staff was just fine
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craig f
Fredonia, NY529 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
!st time here and only went because of proximity to main destination; Turning Stone. Had heard of before but never planned on visiting because of distance from home (3 hrs.) and not much love for racinos. Were at Turning Stone for a 2 night stay and, not having much luck, figured we'd give it a try. Went for lunch buffet, which was horrible, and decided to play a little afterwards since they give a ten dollar free play voucher to 1st- timers. Both my wife and I recovered most of our prior day's losses from the scalping, tight-fisted Turning Stone debacle. Not a huge gaming area but it was a Monday and lightly attended so it was no problem getting on machines of choice. Friendly staff and easily accessible. For a racino, it's acceptable. Would return if near-by again. Machines are certainly looser than Turning Stone!
Written March 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chach431
Binghamton, NY15 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
My wife and I went to Vernon Downs Casino ironically after our stay at nearby Turning Stone. To be honest we were very disappointed with Turning Stone's casino so decided to try our luck at the much smaller "slot" casino. Being that we live in the Southern Tier of NY I've been to their sister casino, Tioga Downs, many times. There is not much to look at when you enter the casino grounds. The facility looks more like a warehouse than a flashy gaming facility. It's attached to a hotel that is on the race track grounds. Maybe it gets more active during race season but there were not many people playing slots the day we were there. This casino is a clone of Tioga Downs but just smaller. All of the video slots are new or updated. Good variety of games and the machines seemed to payout much better than our experience at Turning Stone. It was great to see the same games that I normally play at Tioga. Guess my opinion of Vernon was also influenced by taking home cash! In fact all that was lost at Turning Stone was won back plus more. The only complaint, being a video poker player, is that the machines are not true video poker games. If you have a winning hand there is no way you can lose even if you throw away cards you should keep. Not sure why but no matter what cards you hold, the machine is going to pay you or not pay you depending where the machine is in its computer payout cycle. It's great if you make a mistake throwing away cards but it's not real video poker. They have a small buffet which we did not try. The staff was very nice and there was no problem getting on a game we wanted to play. Also they don't require you to add cash to your players card like they do at Turning Stone (Hate That!!). All in all we had a good time and if in the area again would definitely stop by.
Written February 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
1 contribution
Aug 2014 • Couples
Hi,
Vernon Downs is not Vegas, a fancy resort, the Caribbean nor a place for "big spenders"
It is a place to relax, have a decent meal, enjoy the pool and do a "little" gambling at the slot machines and spend time at the track. They give you a nice break from your work schedule. Understand this is not a place for high rollers. Everything about Vernon Downs is friendly and about having a nice time. It is very clean, well-kept, and the prices are reasonable. Vernon Downs is not a secret any more!
BIGMIC
Vernon Downs is not Vegas, a fancy resort, the Caribbean nor a place for "big spenders"
It is a place to relax, have a decent meal, enjoy the pool and do a "little" gambling at the slot machines and spend time at the track. They give you a nice break from your work schedule. Understand this is not a place for high rollers. Everything about Vernon Downs is friendly and about having a nice time. It is very clean, well-kept, and the prices are reasonable. Vernon Downs is not a secret any more!
BIGMIC
Written August 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SammieBo
Utica, NY3 contributions
Casino is small but well kept up with new machines every few months. Nice that it is non-smoking. The bad part is that there is no idea what customer service means. The people at the player's club have been there since I have been going and are as rude today as they were when it first opened. Jill especially needs some customer service training. Larry isn't bad but has his days. The whole crew is very slow and more concerned with other incidentals than helping the customer. But they don't even compare with the crew in the snack bar. From the cashiers to the cooks to management, they are rude and surly. When they do decide to wait on you, they do it at their leisure and with condescension. The only decent one is Darlene. Security is another area that needs a good kick in the pants. Rude, unapproachable, and downright nasty. Vernon Downs could compete with Turning Stone, but will never even come close until management cleans house (including getting rid of the food manager) and starts demanding that the employees practice decent customer service skills. I live locally and usually go a few times a month and have learned to ignore the rudeness but if Vernon doesn't wise up, repeat customers are going to start going elsewhere.
Written March 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craig f
Fredonia, NY529 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
While playing slots at the gyp joint Turning Stone, a local woman recommended that this place was better. The next day we ventured here for lunch and to sample their slot selection. While the buffet was cheap, it was horrible. After lunch we sampled the slot area. Staff was friendly and machine selection was ample. This place is high above any NYS racino we have been to. We live near Hamburg and that place is deplorable. It used to be OK but they got miserably greedy. They took out the good machines and it's like a ghost town now. Will return here. Just wish it were closer.
Written January 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaym
3 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
do not go there expecting to win anything!!!! the casino is a ripoff. they do not pay out on the machines. the logo should be " live a little, lose alot"!!!!!
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dooedd714
East Stroudsburg, PA252 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Based on the reviews we figured while we were at Turning Stone to give some of our money to Vernon Downs. The distance was very easy from ts and will always be a stop when in the area. It was kind of dark and unexciting and neither of us lasted too long on most of the machines. At least this trip I would have to vote it average and we were quick to leave and head to YellowBrick Road. People were very friendly and casino was smoke free and clean.
Written April 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Airfoils
Hollywood128 contributions
Dec 2014
Visited here in early December. The casino building is basically a boring square box. Not much thought went into its design. Although it is non smoking there are still smokers outside and you have to inhale second hand smoke upon entering. Once inside the slots payout nothing and are just as bad as turning stone. The employees here , just like TS, seem to hate their jobs and it shows. Also you have to pay for alcohol while feeding the slots just like TS !!! Went to the buffet here and the food is the same as TS . . . . Terrible ! Both casinos are a waste of time and money. Save your money and go to the real regulated casinos that do payout in fabulous Las Vegas !!
Written December 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosalind G
Watertown, New York, United States1 contribution
Jun 2013 • Family
I used to come here about four times a year. I enjoy staying at the hotel and I like the slot machines, but the casino has absolutely horrible customer service. I recently realized I was not receiving anymore promotions and inquired at the Players Club, only to be treated very rudely by Larry and waved away. There was need for his sarcastic remarks. I asked to see a manager and the security person seemed to act like I bothered him. Anyway, the manager, came to see me with a little pad and pen. She took down my complaint, stating she would look into it and make some kind of amend. She never called or anything and I still don't receive my promotions. I still go for a bit of entertainment, but it takes forever for the drink girl to come around. Then when you go to the indoor restaurants, the staff is usually unfriendly, rude and instead of waiting on you, they are talking and distracted. They wait on you at their leisure. As for non-smoking, it is not enforced. I think they really need to clean house and be more welcoming. As for now, I am frequenting Turning Stone more often.
Written July 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vernon Downs Casino - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Vernon Downs Casino
- Hotels near Vernon Downs Casino:
- (0.01 mi) Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel
- (4.49 mi) The Lodge at Turning Stone
- (5.31 mi) Creekside Inn
- (1.10 mi) Coachway Motel
- (4.51 mi) The Tower At Turning Stone
- Restaurants near Vernon Downs Casino:
- (0.00 mi) Mr G's Food and Spirits
- (0.33 mi) champion buffet
- (0.83 mi) The Black Stallion Restaurant
- (0.91 mi) Apple Betty
- (0.90 mi) Nothin' Fancy Cafe
- Attractions near Vernon Downs Casino:
- (1.11 mi) Utica Rome Speedway
- (4.52 mi) Skana, the Spa at Turning Stone
- (4.51 mi) Turning Stone Resort Casino
- (0.90 mi) Nothin' Fancy Country Rock Saloon
- (3.90 mi) Oneida Community Mansion House