While I’m not much of a gambler, visiting a casino always makes for a good time. While I knew Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the country, it wasn’t until I moved to Maine that I discovered two major casinos within state lines. One is located in Bangor, while the other resides in Oxford. I chose to head to the Oxford Casino and Hotel, which was less than an hour away from Portland.
The Oxford Casino and Hotel is located at 777 Casino Way, and I was blown away by the amount of parking available for guests. A van patrolled the lot in order to pick patrons up, and transport them to the entrance. The hotel and casino’s design was well done, as there was something intimate and exciting about the lodge like setting and the cacophony of bells and whistles of the games. I arrived quite early for check in, and was informed that there was a thirty-dollar early check in fee. However, the staff informed me that they could store my bags in a secure area, and that my room will be ready within an hour and a half, and I will not be charged the fee. I was back at the front desk about an hour later, and I was able to check in without the added charge.
The room was spacious and comfortable. A desk and chair were provided, along with a lamp. While I didn’t use it, a Keurig machine can be found on the desk as well. If you’re looking for a night in, or to rest from a evening of gambling, there is a flat screen TV mounted on the wall, positioned just opposite the bed. As I was in a king sized room, a bedside table was placed on either side of the bed, along with a lamp. The room also came with a chair with a lamp placed overhead, perfect for those who brought a book with them.
There are three eating options available at the Oxford Casino and Hotel, and I was lucky enough to sample two of them. The Ox Pub is a great place to eat lunch or dinner. The typical pub fare is served here, as well an assortment of beers, cocktails, and a sizable bourbon menu. Seating is plentiful, with high tops, tables, booths, and seats at the bars available for guests. Whisky barrels adorned the wall, along with a wood paneled American Flag. TVs were scattered around the bar, so patrons can watch sports at their leisure. The Ox Pub is located right by one of the casino entrances, so if you’re eager to get back to gambling, you don’t have to travel far.
The Oxford Express was my second stop for food, and it’s here where people in a rush can eat. Whether you really want to get back to gambling, or get on the road, Oxford Express is the place to be. There are plenty of take out options available, including sandwiches and salads, as well as a menus that includes burgers, fries, and other food. There’s even a breakfast menu, so you don’t have to skip the most important meal of the day.
The casino is has a wide assortment of games. Different types of slot machines took up most of the floor, but the card games definitely took center stage. Poker, Black Jack, and Roulette were all featured. While I spent most of my time at the Black Jack table, I did learn how to play Mississippi Stud, which was a ton of fun. The dealers and staff were knowledgeable about the games, and great conversationalists. There was even a table where guests can learn to play certain games. A nice touch was the bar located right in the casino, so players didn’t have to go far for drinks. For those of you who also enjoy high stakes gambling, there’s an area devoted to such a pursuit. The casino is open twenty-four hours a day, so guests can gamble whenever the mood strikes.
The Oxford Casino and Hotel is definitely a great destination for amateur and professional gamblers alike. I know that I would love to visit again, especially since there was still plenty to do. If you want to learn more about Oxford Casino and Hotel, you can click here. You can find more information on the Ox Pub here, and the Oxford Express here. Now that this trip is done, I’m ready for my next adventure, the question is, where should I go next?
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