By Jan MacKell
Where else can you find a casual gaming atmosphere, the best sports viewing in town and some of the most delectable fine dining around? Only at Bronco Billy’s, that’s where. A gaming landmark right outta the gate, Bronco Billy’s continues to lead as a major mainstay in Cripple Creek gambling spots.
Bronco Billy’s Casino has long been known as one of the most laid back casinos in town. No pressure here, just come on in and enjoy your favorite game to the beat of classic rock ‘n’ roll tunes. Miles of aisles wind through several historic buildings on Bennett Avenue with sports memorabilia, televisions, several bars and a friendly staff to make you feel welcome.
Bright blue awnings make Bronco Billy's Casino stand out as a premier hot gambling spot in downtown Cripple Creek.
The core of Bronco Billy’s may look contemporary, but the casino in fact resides in some of the most historic buildings in Cripple Creek. Built after Cripple Creek’s infamous fires of 1896, each building features its own unique history.
Among them is the A & K Block, originally home to the Denver Exchange Saloon. Here, partners E.H. Asmussen and J.A. Kelley catered to wealthy men from stock brokers to bankers. Next to the A & K Block sits the Tutt Building, erected by Charles L. Tutt of the Broadmoor Hotel fame. Shortly after its completion the Tutt was leased to the Miller-Young Brokerage Company, with Charles Miller making it a teeming success.
The ornate building next to the Tutt Block is the Turf Club, originally built as an elite gentleman’s club. The finest in liquor was served and the Turf minted its own poker chips for games in the upstairs rooms. When gaming was legalized in 1991, the Turf Club was one of only two casinos to reopen under its original name before being purchased by Bronco’s. The Coors Block, purchased by Adolph Coors in 1897, is also in the mesh. When the Coors Block was remodeled into a casino, the old chalk scores from pool games past were found on the wall under the wallpaper.
These days, Bronco Billy’s fairly spills over with activity. It’s like going to a party with slot machines. Everywhere you look, something is going on. Dazzling neon lights highlight sports memorabilia and easy feel-good music accompanies the confetti that is usually flying around. You can’t help but feel the fun. All that hoopla hardly detracts from the sixty or so televisions tuned into sports throughout the casino. Sports are indeed the name of the game, from racing to baseball, from hockey to boxing.
Bronco Billy's Hotel is the newest addition to the casino. The hotel is located less than a block away in the 1899 Ganley Block, formerly known as the Independence.
On the floor, hundreds of slot machines offer several types of games. Players can choose from triple to one hundred-play machines, plus a variety of bonus poker games. Four separate bars offer 25-cent progressive video poker, and the ever popular nickel bar upstairs has a rapid progressive and is popular amongst both locals and VIP players. In fact, part of the draw to Bronco’s is a choice between traditional coin-in machines and more modern TITO games from penny slots to $5 games. Don’t forget about Bronco’s ever-popular “woodies.” Players receive one with every natural four of a kind. Collect four, and receive $5 in cash at the MVP booth.
Bronco’s also offers seven Blackjack tables, as well as Texas Hold ‘Em Thursday through Saturday. Quarter Craps is available in the casino Monday through Friday from 8—10 a.m., and the game features low table minimums on Saturdays. Likewise, live Roulette is available daily from 10 a.m.—4 a.m. and has table minimums to meet every gambling budget.
The card room is located right next to Buffalo Billy’s Steakhouse, by far the best restaurant in town. This isn’t run-of-the-mill casino dining. The booths are plush, the room is relaxing, and the staff is great. On the menu, you can find a pleasing spread fit for any taste or appetite. For starters, try the Table Side Guacamole, whose name says it all: it’s made at your table and served with colorful tortilla chips (and, they’re not stingy about sharing the recipe with you). Pricing at the Steakhouse is moderate, with meals ranging from $13—$28. The Steakhouse is open 4—10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2—10 p.m. Saturdays and 1—8 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended and are taken at 719-689-2909. While you wait for your table, you can play video poker at the upstairs bar or catch some action in the nearby card room.
On the other side of the card room is Baja Billy’s, Cripple Creek’s only—and therefore best—Mexican food restaurant in town. No standard Taco Bell fare here; everything, from the fajitas to tasty seafood dishes to pork, chicken, beef and burrito dishes is fresh made. Unique homemade sauces, specialty dishes and even vegetarian plates round out this most delicious menu. Baja Billy’s is open noon—8 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and from noon—9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Prices at Baja’s are quite affordable, ranging from $7—$15.
Downstairs, the Home Café offers simple and quick menu items from burgers to steaks. And their 49-cent breakfast, offered from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily, is among the best deals in town. It’s a casual dining experience at its finest as the wait staff offers fast and friendly service. Best of all, meals can even be brought to your favorite bar-top. The Home Café is open 24 hours, seven days a week and prices range from $5—$6.95 (cash only, please).
Overnight guests at the casino have two historic hotels to choose from. One is Bronco Billy’s Hotel, located just west of the casino with updated, comfortable rooms that include private baths, flat screen televisions and complimentary breakfast at the Home Cafe. For the more romantic, try the beautiful Hotel St. Nicholas just a few blocks away. Formerly a hospital, St. Nick’s offers elegant suites, a hot tub, an in-house tavern and a filling continental breakfast. Free shuttle service is available to and from the casino.
Coupons for both meals and rooms are given out when you rack up points with your MVP card. It’s fun and it’s free! Your points can also be redeemed for cash back and prizes.
For more information, including up-to-date progressive standings, check out the website at www.broncobillyscasino.com. Or, you can call the casino for information at 1-877-989-2142 or 719-689-2142.
