/ / /

Sigma Derby Alive And Well at MGM Grand

Where: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South [map], 89109
May 6, 2011 at 2:37 PM | by | Comments (8)

We are so happy to report that Sigma Derby is alive and well at MGM Grand. This is the last place we can find this game in Vegas (we think there's a similar camel race at Luxor). It's the only machine that is still operated with and pays out coins.

In addition to being fun to play, Sigma Derby is a nice reminder of how far games have come. Yes, we dig the bells and whistles of the new penny slots that pop up every week or so, but there's something comforting about seeing and playing Sigma Derby. It's almost like have mom's mediocre cooking - there may be better food, but it's mom's and it will always feel better than any other food.

We have to say that Sigma Derby has a big house edge of anywhere from 10%-20%, but this isn't a game that's played for the win. We play Sigma Derby because it's fun, relaxing, a slow burn and awesome. The game is played by 1-10 players (depending on how many people play and slots are working) betting quarters on the horses running around a race track. Odds change for payout for each horse every race. There's a winner every time and, in a seemingly ironic way, everyone cheers for one another.

MGM Grand has a few keen attractions and Sigma Derby is as high on our list as the lions are to the nuclear family visiting from the middle of the country. A lot of people just see this old machine, but some of us have more of a connection to Sigma Derby than to the Sahara. We may shed a tear the day Sigma Derby gets taken off the floor.

Comments (8)

Post a Comment

Return to » Sigma Derby Alive And Well at MGM Grand

Oh sweet memories

I love, love, love this game!  I didn't realize it was still even around.  The MGM was the last place that I played it, but that must have been about 10 years ago.  I hope it sticks around till I go again sometime this year.  I've also played the camel version at the Luxor, but this one is better, IMO. Huh... just used IMO for the first time.  I don't know how I feel about it... oh look, a butterfly.
vegastar11 on May 6, 2011 at 5:00 PM #Permalink

@vegastar11

Haha...I thought the same thing. I have only been to the MGM Grand a couple times since my first trip to Vegas and was stoked to see Sigma is still there. Figured I wasn't the only one. :)

Also horses > camels. Haha

eastcoastgambler on May 6, 2011 at 5:18 PM #Permalink

I never get to play...

because every time I go, the machine is full of people.  It may not be the biggest moneymaker, but it's insanely popular.
Javi on May 9, 2011 at 11:51 AM #Permalink

@Javi

When I was there a few weeks ago, there were about people 3 deep both times I walked by. Plus there were broken spaces, which only increases the demand since there are less seats. It's still fun to watch.
eastcoastgambler on May 9, 2011 at 12:52 PM #Permalink

Could be better

I agree with ECG.  I stop by this machine almost every time I walk through that end of MGM and there always 3 stations out of order and I don't even think they are the same ones.  Maybe the game breaks down a lot but they still need to maintain it.

A few years back I saw a really cool sigma derby in a casino in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  Instead of the choppy, erratic movement of the horses that we are used to, they have these horses with numerous independently moving parts that move in a very smooth, fluidic manner.  I've also heard that they have huge ones (10x the size) in England.

binciong on May 9, 2011 at 2:22 PM #Permalink

@binciong

You just gave me an idea...going to check with a gaming mfr to see if they plan on making mass horse games like roulette, etc.

I have to think repairs for this machine are both expensive and not easy to come by since the machine is so old.  

I saw the machines you mentioned looking for info on the game. There's a few sweet blogs dedicated to the game that are fun to look at, maybe, once a year. haha.

eastcoastgambler on May 9, 2011 at 3:35 PM #Permalink

Sigma Derby Machine @ The Golden Gate

OK, JUST READ AN ARTICLE FROM DEREK STEVENS, CEO AND CO-OWNER OF THE GOLDEN GATE AND THE FITZGERALDS. HE JUST CONFIRMED YESTERDAY THAT THE RENOVATIONS AT THE GG WILL NOW INCLUDE A SECOND LEVEL THAT WILL HAVE A QUIETER, VEGAS VINTAGE VIBE AND...ARE YOU READY FOR THIS...WILL INCLUDE THE EVER POPULAR SIGMA DERBY MACHINE!!! SWEEEEET!
supermac8 on February 2, 2012 at 11:04 PM #Permalink

^^^ Thanks for the recent update

Man i miss this machine :( we had a great little casino that was called the Riverboat. The casino was 2 floors and was in a boat. I loved this casino because 1) you used quarters and 2) the Sigma Derby. There would be old men taking notes trying to guess the races LOL. It was so fun asking them for advice and have them yelling at the horses. The casino has been shut down for a few years and i miss this game! I cant wait to try it at MGM and downtown :)
tashajilek on March 17, 2012 at 3:35 AM #Permalink

Return to » Sigma Derby Alive And Well at MGM Grand

Join the conversation!

Not a member? .
Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (effective 3/21/12) and Privacy Policy (effective 3/21/12). © Condé Nast. Your California Privacy Rights. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast.
Ad Choices