CIRSA Mexico, located in Puerto Vallarta, stands out as a primary gaming destination in the city. Based on recent visitor experiences, it offers a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges for gamblers.
Visitors note that CIRSA is seemingly the only casino in Puerto Vallarta that features table games, which is a significant draw. The casino offers at least two blackjack tables and one roulette table, alongside numerous slot machines and a dedicated sports betting section. Blackjack rules are favorable, with 3 to 2 payouts and the use of a shoe instead of an auto-shuffler, a detail appreciated by seasoned players. Table limits range from 50 to 3000 Mexican pesos (approximately $3-$200 CDN), making it accessible for various budgets.
While slots are popular with locals, table games often attract tourists. One reviewer reported a positive winning experience, turning 1000 pesos into 6750 pesos (about $450 CDN) after three hours of blackjack.
A notable perk is the availability of free and unlimited coffee and soft drinks.
A significant point of concern, particularly for international visitors using foreign currency like US dollars, is the unfavorable currency exchange rate. Visitors are advised to be aware that exchanging US dollars for Mexican pesos within the casino can result in a loss of approximately 10% compared to the actual market rate (e.g., 18 MXN per 1 US$ instead of 20 MXN). Furthermore, converting money back to foreign currency also incurs additional conversion fees, meaning even if you don't gamble, you could lose money simply through currency transactions.
A mandatory player card is required to load money and play. While one reviewer mentioned a free 100 peso bet upon signing up, another noted a charge for the card (around $1 USD), with inconsistent application of this charge between visitors. This inconsistency can be an annoyance.
While complimentary beverages are a plus, one reviewer highlighted an issue with food quality, specifically cold and raw boneless chicken, advising caution when ordering food.
CIRSA Mexico is conveniently located within a mall, which contributes to a sense of safety, particularly for tourists. For those visiting after regular mall hours, a helpful tip is to use the north entrance facing the street to gain access.
One reviewer crowned CIRSA as the "best" casino among three visited in Puerto Vallarta, suggesting a generally positive reputation within the local gaming landscape.
CIRSA Mexico offers a genuine casino experience in Puerto Vallarta, complete with popular table games and a sports betting facility. It's a place where significant wins are possible on the slots and tables. However, potential visitors, especially those from abroad, should be keenly aware of the currency exchange policies and the mandatory player card system to avoid unexpected financial losses. With some planning, CIRSA can be a rewarding entertainment option in PV.
Keep in mind if you are using foreign currency (in my case US$), you must first convert ("buy" pesos) where you get 18 per $1 US. This means you are getting 10% less because the actual rate is 20 MX peso per dollar. When you convert back to US you will pay a conversion rate again and lose more money. Keep in mind. You must first get a card to load your money onto. This cost about a dollar.Long story short is you pay for a card, concert your money to pesos to play, convert back to US, and even if you never gamble a cent, you lost money!
Was skeptical of going b/c how legit can a casino be in Mexico, but was pleasantly surprised. Got there at midnight on a Monday and it wasn't too busy. Apparently this is the only casino in PV with table games. They had 2 blackjack tables and 1 roulette table and many slots and a sports betting section. Sat down at blackjack table and played for 3 hours. Only took 1000 pesos, b/c i thought it would be scammy, but it was not. They pay 3 to 2 on BJ and use a shoe instead of auto shuffler, which i prefer. In canada you have to play min $100 CDN to play without auto shuffler. Here, the table limits were 50-3000 Mexican pesos per hand ($3-$200 CDN). Met a few cool tourists on the BJ table and ended up winning $6750 pesos ($450 CDN). There were a few locals, but they were all playing slots. The only downside is that you have to sign up for a players card to be able to get chips, which took 10 mins, but you get a free $100 peso bet. The cashout process was easy and quick. Honestly, I felt safe bc it was in the middle of a nice mall. Hint: to enter the mall after hours, you have to go the the north entrance facing the street. They also have sports betting, which is nice, since my Canadian betting app will not work here, even with a VPN. Good luck
I like it, didn't give it a five star because I was somewhat annoyed by the people charging me for a player card and not my wife with no explanation.
The food tastes delicious except that I got boneless, cold on the inside, on the outside they were well breaded and hot but on the inside they were raw. Have trout if you want to eat that. The coffee and soft drinks are good and free. Unlimited.As for the machines, they do work. I have seen people earn more than 100 thousand, I really have not earned more than 400 pesos 😂🤣.
