Sigma Derby is my favorite old school coin -op game. They had two in South Lake Tahoe for decades, I played them from the late 90's until 2015 when Montbleu casino got rid of them. They had two in Las Vegas , one at MGM and one at the D on fremont and maybe 8 years ago they got rid of the one at MGM....... so now there is only one left. The 200-1 hits a couple times every 24 hours so you have to hang out for a few hours and see if you can catch it! Great camaraderie with all the players at the table, a lot like craps. If you go to Las Vegas , you have to hit up the D , have a couple adult beverages and runs some quarters through the old horsey machine! read more

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Sigma Derby is an awesome horse racing game in the casino. To play the game, you put quarters in the machine and bet on a mechanical horse. In the middle of the track is a timer that shows the remaining time you have to bet the odds. There's different payouts for different horse. This game is super popular with varying bet options and you can play money in small increments. It's kind of similar to an arcade game using only quarters to play, very inexpensive and fun! read more

I have to go to Las Vegas 6x per year. This is my #1 thing to do on my free time. Located at the D Casino, 2nd floor, on Fremont Street. This is the last Sigma Derby in the world. Made in 1986, It is not the same as Fortune Derby you will find at other establishments. 5 horses circle the track, and 2 will win the race. Up to 10 players can play at the same time. The winning horses are totally at random, there is no pattern. You can play for as little as .25 cents for 1 of 10 options or up to 10 bets on each combination for $ 2.50 to guarantee a win. You can also bet multiple times on each as well. Truly old Las Vegas, when it was fun. I usually play for 6 hours it's so addicting. Free Drinks ( always tip the server!). Sometimes, it's really a party atmosphere with everyone routing for their horses. I've met a few locals who play this 7 days a week! read more

Sigma Derby - Horse Racing Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

Easily the most fun game I've ever played, lived in town for nearly 8 years and this is the only thing I'll 100% play every time I see it. Get yourself 20 bucks in quarters, tip the waitress, and have a great few hours. read more

I was here three years ago and my friends walked me up and down the strip for an entire week stopping at every casino asking the question of where the heck is the horse game? We couldn't find it so when I saw the review on YELP I bookmarked so I could come check it out. It was a TON OF FUN! There is a spot for 10gamers a change machine on site to get quarters and in the 3hours I spent there I only saw 1 empty spot. This is by far the only game Ive seen that gets the players as well as the crowd that gathers so engrossed they yell and scream at the horses like they were at the track themselves. There was a group from Germany there last night and speaking German a little I loved listening to them and watching their excitement. These guys were even making side bets out side of the game and I was just waiting for security to come put a stop to our fun. Outside of the machine breaking down three times in the time I was there we were left alone and it was an amazing time. CHECK THIS GAME OUT ASAP it may end up in storage again soon. read more

Sigma Derby - If you can see this piece of history put some coins in it and get caught up in the excitement! You will not regret it! - Horse Racing Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

You don't see games like this in vegas anymore. It's a mechanical horse racing game where you put in quarters and then look at the odds and pick "win and place" (first and second), horses race, collect your winnings and pick again. Pretty fun game. Lots of banter on the table (at least the 2 times I went). Great way to spend time on something that isn't expensive to gamble in a great atmosphere. Located near the MGM Grand buffet! read more

Oh HELL yeah, I have to review this! I did a search, found this wasn't on it. For you flag happy Yelpers, this IS a very unique business I'd say. It does take your money, there are experiences to be had here and it's one of the few living legends on the strip! For a McGM property, that's saying something. I don't usually get link happy, but this is a unique situation. I can go over this game's history for days: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Derby http://sigmaderbyfan.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45373341755 Okay all me, now. I believe this game should be cherished like the old mechanical slots that still use coinage off the strip. I understand from a maintenance point of view it may be a time consuming mechanical "no more stock parts" burden. But since this is the last machine in what's technically the incorporated Winchester part of Clark county, it's worth it. Sorry, I have no idea where to continue, I never got star struck when doing a yelp review before. I have some of my favorite gambling memories from these machines. See, Sigma Derby is like a mechanical craps table. You can and are encouraged to YELL max Tourette's at the game and no one will hassle you. In fact, they want to join in. You pick your quinella based on the winning odds the machine generates. It's a small thrill just to get in on a race that provides 200:1 odds, the max the machine will pay out. BUT, winning and betting more than one quarter on it is a great thrill for something so seemingly simple. HAND PAY is the goal when you play slots or video poker. We were talking about words that sound dirty but aren't with a wise man, who is actually called Lucky (yes a Vegas local), and we always laughed whenever someone says "Hand Pay" reacting like Beavis and Butthead. There was a time when the largest casino chain on the strip was Circus Circus Enterprises and these machines were in just about every casino on Las Vegas Blvd. Most of them were located by their sportsbook. And it wasn't just this machine, some of the casinos had THEMED environments to match their casino. Remember when casinos were built with individual personalities defined by their very "can't be changed by new management" structures? Luxor had camels that raced around the pyramids. Excalibur, had knights in costumed horses race around castles. Every time I came down that escalator, I still expected Derby to be sitting right where I remember it. I swore there was a casino that had dogs go around the track, but I can't even remember which. Anyone? Not that it mattered in game play, but each racing animal had their own color, too. One night I went drinking with the guys and the rest of the night we called each other the color of our horse that got us our big win. Reservoir Derby night. The sounds are addictive: when the race begins, the horses gallop around the track and people start eventually giving in and drumming their hands to the gallup with the race. I did. And these machines right down to this last one DO get the cocktailers attention as people are locked to the table for hours. When we make a big win, we often made a fucking production of funneling our ear with our hand like Hulk Hogan and cash out even if we weren't leaving. The point was to be a jag off and rub it in everyone else's ear (and everyone did take it in fun as they did it on their next win) all those coins plunking in the hopper in front of you. It's the kind of game where you go around and say goodbye to everyone individually when you have to go. Thanks for the good time, my family is whining something about me eating today. I always hoped these machines would thrive. You could NEVER turn this into a video version. In Fact, Hoyle Casino for your home computer has a quasi bastard nephew cousin version it. Not the same at all. Sigma Derby is one of the last bastions of vintage Vegas still operating while the casino around it continues to refurbish itself. If Sahara had a derby machine and they auctioned it off for their closing, I would have done some pretty humiliating and rash things to get the money to take to auction. read more

Try this! It's a fun break from the electronic barrage of sin city. On the 2nd floor. Quarter change machine and buckets next to the machine. To make your $$ last (races are every ~60 secs), i'd recommend only betting on 2-3 combos each race otherwise it'll go by fast... read more

Thankfully Max wrote up a review for this. I was writing reviews for the Sig Derb in the MGM Grand reviews. Best game in Vegas....EVER. Even better than spot the hooker. Two rolls of quarters can last you an hour and a half on a bad streak ($20). I've hit the 200-1 here twice. In July 2010, February 2011. Each was a $1 bet. $200 profit? Thanks, I'll go blow it all on Craftsteak or head to Mandalay Bay and grab a Surf-N-Turf Burger @ Burger Bar (LOBSTAH BUGAHHH!) I have gotten drunk at this game for minimum amounts, I've stayed sober at this game, I've played it with 20+ people surrounding it waiting for a seat on a holiday weekend, and I've played it with 1 other person at the table. Best game in Vegas.......no lie. Note: Last Sigma Derby machine in Vegas. Thanks MGM Grand for keeping the dream alive. read more

I love this freaking machine! It's still alive and kickin' (for now) at the MGM Grand, near the buffet. We played several times, and there was always a lively crowd surrounding this game. I love that you can play with ACTUAL quarters instead of this "insert at least $1" crap that most of the other, digitized "25 cent" games are pulling now. Sutton C said it well - you'll definitely develop a sense of camaraderie with the folks around the table with you as you all bet the odds (playing it safe or putting it all on the highest stakes). I haven't seen anyone "make it big" on this machine; mostly everyone who plays seems to just fritter away their quarters slowly, or break even in the end. There's something so charming about the actual, metal horsies under the glass running the course. And it's exciting - any pair of them could win each time! It's impossible to tell at the start who will cross the finish first, and if there is a pattern, I couldn't pick up on it, making this game a thrill every time. I hope it lasts a long, long time! read more

PLAY THIS GAME. Oops I mean, play this game if you are into good old fashion vintage Vegas fun + camaraderie. The table is located very near the buffet in The MGM Grand. The rumor is that its the only one left on the strip and one of two in Vegas. The Sigma Derby table is a place of pure magic, one of the only games that still takes and pays out quarters, each player sits with their own board and bets on which 2 tiny ponies out of five that they think will win. After each race the odds come up and you have 30 seconds to pick your ponies. I have yet to see the 200:1 odds hit, but because of the Derby Magic, its common knowledge that whenever you have the chance you bet the longshot....You don't want to be the only person who didn't! How can you not bet the 200:1 when the amazing oldtimer across from you with his oxygen in yells HORSE TIME! With the Derby comes amazing company like this. As much money as you can sit and lose playing this game, its ALWAYS worth it, and you STILL have a chance to walk away ahead. One night barely paying attention I won 150 quarters and danced my way back to my room with my tiny bucket of coins. You end up sitting for hours with like minded Sigma Derby lovers drinking free cocktails and yelling at five tiny plastic horses. What more can you ask for? Find the Sigma Derby the next time your in Vegas, it only takes 1 quarter to get yourself into the game. read more

As of 2/18/18, five spots out of ten were working at MGM, with the five broken spots simply sitting with an "out of order" tape over the coin slot. The D downtown, however, has all ten working, and if any malfunction, they fixed them within a half hour or so. The D is the place to be for Sigma Derby! read more

Pretty darn fun game. Took me a little bit of time to find. Right in the middle by the buffet. In a sea of slot machines next to a change machine. Good times. Hope this one stays around. read more

Sigma Derby - Fun old game. - Horse Racing Near Me - Las Vegas, Nevada

As of January 2015, Sigma Derby is still at MGM Grand. My favorite casino game. I guess they are disappearing because they run on quarters. At any rate, all the seats were taken except one that didn't work -- the quarters would just run through it instead of sticking. After a few minutes a different seat opened up and I hit several quinellas, including a 20-1, before eventually running out of quarters, as does happen in Las Vegas from time to time. read more

Let me start my review with an accurate description of just what in the hell the "Sigma Derby" is. It's a casino multi-player gaming machine, much like a virtual black jack, except this one is REALLY old. It's located at the MGM Grand casino and the machine is super hard to find, it's low profile and hidden in a sea of loud glowing slot machines. I had to ask a security guard to walk me to it because I couldn't find the damn thing, but I digress ... Here's how you play: you bet on a wining combination of toy horses racing on a mechanical track, you can't bet on just one horse to win. For every race there's new odds for each combo and there's a count down clock that gives you about 30 second to place your bet. The minimum bet is 25 cents and it's quarters only. This game is good fun, easy to play, and dirt cheap, so guess what, it's crazy popular. I was alone on the machine before noon on a summer Saturday but when I came back after lunch, it was fully crowded. Bottom line, this is a hidden vegas treasure, tip your cocktail waitress and let the MGM know how much the machine! read more

The coolest slot machine ever!!! I spent hours playing this game and it was a freaking blast!!! I highly recommend it!

Still alive and kicking as of Feb. 2016. Always loved this game and always will! Hit a 200/1 long shot on this exact machine last year.

I don't know how long it was out for repairs, but it's currently right back by the buffet. Just played it all weekend :)

I'm at MGM right now and it is not in its usual place by the "win a car slots" It's now right by the Grand Buffet and they moved the Grey hound racing game down by the bar. But both are still at MGM! read more

How could you not love this game? Last time I was in Vegas I sat at the table all night. You're not going to get rich off this but it's quite entertaining and cheap. The glare is pretty bad though, you need to stand up to see anything. They should get some larger stools. read more

YES INDEED, this is the best game in Vegas...you might have to scavenge for it during the MGM remodel but....but it's SO SO SO worth the stop. read more

Who doesn't love Sigma Derby! Sitting at this machine in the MGM Grand was one of the highlights our our trip to Vegas. Playing is simple. You just put quarters in the machine and bet on the combination of horses coming in first and second. This is a great way to gamble and drink for free for hours without losing too much as long as you bet smart. I usually put one quarter on the long shot, two on the best odds, and one more on a medium odds combo and play for hours without losing much (or possibly even winning some). The last time we played, I hit one of the long shots and left with more money that we started with. I also got some free beer and left with a smile on my face. This is my favorite gambling machine anywhere. I've also spent a few quarters on the Sigma Derby at the Mont Bleu in Tahoe and love them just as much. read more

The Sigma Derby!!! Although I realize that some people may not know what this is, they should! This is the one game in the city of Las Vegas that should need absolutely no introduction! A true degen game. Pull up a chair and a bucket of quarter and watch plastic horses prance around an analog track while you bet odds on the top two to place! Start off with a quarter or two to learn and eventually you will be a pro, dumping tons of change on your favorite horse combinations! This is one stop I almost always make when I go to Vegas! Oh yeah, almost forgot, free drinks too!!! read more

Going to Vegas Sunday 10-20 for my bday Going to play MGM Plastic horses! BUT years ago I played one in Bahamas it was called "Sega royal ascot horse racing"1991 version it is better than this! I seen in Canada they have it but not in Vegas. They have over 1200races where horses names run 1x every 12 races like "rambling roger" and you can win! Because they tell you how many times it ran and if it won,so if ROGER is 0-39 and probably has 2-3more times it will run before game starts at race1 again you can win easily! evryone google ROYAL ASCOT SEGA HORSERACING 1991 version BUt I will look foward to playing this played this game over 20yrs ago I remember hitting the 1-4 quinella that paid 135-1 3x over a 2day period but as soon as I bet $10 on it never came out again I had it for .25 and $1.00 2x read more

I stop and play at least once on every Vegas vacation. It's a fun social game, where you can lose money slowly. I don't know what the payout odds are, but in my limited experience they are pretty low (compared to other games). It is a lot of fun and one of the best locations to get a cocktail waitress by regularly. My drink was almost always filled. I most often play at the MGM Grand, but there is also one a The D. read more

Sigma derby was still at The D in the old slots area as of March 20, 2016. It is by far the most fun I've had gambling in Vegas, and I didn't even win! It's easy to play for awhile without losing much and the fellow players are very entertaining. Didn't hit the 200/1 but you can be sure as hell that I was yelling at the machine with my fellow players at the combination when the 200/1 horses were running. Free drinks from the cocktail waitresses make this game legendary. Sigma Derby will always and forever have my heart. read more