Johnny Nolon’s Casino Review
Johnny Nolon’s Casino in Cripple Creek is one of 40 casinos in Colorado and the property is owned and operated by Minter Holdings, LLC.
In addition to being the LLC’s managing partner, David Minter also heads G Investments LLC, which runs Colorado Grande Casino in Cripple Creek.
Johnny Nolon’s was one of the first casinos to open in the state when gambling became legal in 1991. It features 253 slot and video poker machines and is located in a historic building that housed Johnny Nolon’s Saloon & Gambling Emporium back in the 1800s.
With sports betting now legal in the state, Johnny Nolon’s Casino applied for and was granted a license in April 2020, though no plans for a retail or online sportsbook have yet been announced.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino
- Address: 301 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO
- Owner: Minter Holdings, LLC
- Operator: Minter Holdings, LLC
- Hours: 24 hours / 7 days a week
- Casino games: 253 slots
- Sportsbook: Expected in 2020
- Poker: Does not have a poker room
Johnny Nolon’s Casino sportsbook
Colorado passed Proposition DD in November 2019 which legalized sports betting. Wagering in the state started six months later on May 1, 2020 and casinos that obtain a sports betting license are able to have both retail and online sportsbooks.
Johnny Nolon’s obtained its license in April 2020, but no announcements have been made regarding plans to have a retail or online sportsbook, or both.
However, ISI Race and Sports has announced a partnership with Johnny Nolon’s and its sister casino, Colorado Grande. ISI Race and Sports already has a foothold in Cripple Creek thanks to a partnership with Wildwood Casino.
As part of the partnership, ISI will provide hardware, software and marketing services for the casino’s sportsbook.
“We’ve been doing this for more than 20 years and have developed best practices that help our partners get out of the gate early and maintain their lead in sports betting,” said ISI president, Bill Stearns.
In 2007, ISI opened its own sportsbooks in casinos at some of the most recognizable chains in America, such as Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. On the company website, ISI states that nearly 100% of the wagers generated at those locations came from their automated kiosks.
Those kiosks are impressive. In partnership with global gaming entertainment industry leader, IGT, ISI debuted a new kiosk in 2019 called the CrystalBetting Terminal which was released at Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
The new betting kiosk has everything a sports bettor could ask for, including: a 27-inch touchscreen that displays live games and live odds, the ability to make wagers directly on the viewing screen both before and during games, a USB outlet to charge mobile devices, plenty of room for a small laptop or tablet, and a headphone jack to listen to what’s on the screen. The CrystalBetting Terminal accepts cash and prints tickets like a regular betting kiosk.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino gaming floor
Johnny Nolon’s Casino has almost 6,000 feet of gaming space which is home to 253 gaming machines. The casino does not offer table games or poker.
The slot and video poker machines range from pennies to $100.
Johnny Nolon’s boasts more than 250 slot and video poker machines. The most popular are Ultimate X Poker, Rome and Egypt, Wheel of Fortune and Tiger’s Eye. The prices range from pennies to $100, which is the highest amount allowed under Colorado gaming law.
While Johnny Nolon’s does not offer any table games, they do offer shuttle service to the nearby Colorado Grande Casino, where they can be found.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino poker room
Johnny Nolon’s does not currently have a poker room.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino rewards program
The casino offers a rewards program called the Players Club. While it does not offer as many rewards or have various tiers like many other rewards programs, it still pays to become a member, especially considering it is free to join.
Players earn points while playing the slots or video poker which they can put toward deals and discounts, such as a meal at Johnny’s Restaurant for only $2.
Players also can win up to $100 just for playing with their rewards card during regularly-held Hot Seat Drawing events. The casino also offers extra bonuses for reaching various milestones, such as being the first player to hit a certain number of royal flushes in one day.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino amenities
Johnny Nolon’s does not have a hotel, but it does offer the ability to book at the nearby Lucky 7 Hotel, which is part of the Colorado Grande Casino. The two casinos offer shuttle service between one another, making it easy to get back and forth.
There is one restaurant to choose from at Johnny Nolon’s.
- Johnny’s Restaurant: American. Open daily from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with all dinner options under $20.
Johnny Nolon’s Casino history
In 1891, when the gold rush was in full swing in Colorado, Johnny Nolon opened up the Johnny Nolon Saloon & Gambling Emporium at the corner of Third and Bennett Streets in Cripple Creek. Nolon was a young Pony Express rider at the time. The establishment lasted for 14 years before closing its doors.
When gambling was legalized in Colorado in 1991 it opened back up, this time simply as Johnny Nolon’s Casino. It was run by owner Robert Konczak until 1997 when David Minter took over, and it now resides under Minter Holdings, LLC.
Minter Holdings is a modest business with between 50 and 100 employees and annual revenue of around $3 million.