Update: An eBay listing now offers a fully functional Sigma Derby machine for sale.
After the removal of their installation from the casino floor, the beloved Sigma Derby game is now exclusively available in one US casino.
The only remaining Sigma Derby game can now be found at The D, a hotel situated on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Please provide the original sentence that you would like me to rewrite.
What is Sigma Derby?
Introduced in 1985, Sigma Derby is a captivating game featuring mechanical horse races.
The popularity of the game has fluctuated over time. Initially, the horse racing game was widely embraced, but as gambling preferences shifted towards newer games, its popularity diminished.
Over the past decade or so, Sigma Derby experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, captivating a devoted following akin to that of a cult.
Sigma Derby holds a special spot in the hearts of casino visitors, as it diverges from the majority of modern casino games. This coin-operated machine takes us back to a bygone era of casino gambling.
You must bet at least twenty-five cents to play Sigma Derby. Adding to its nostalgic charm, the machines have not been updated to accept dollars, unlike several other vintage games.
The mechanical toy horses at Sigma Derby exhibit a less-than-smooth ride, bouncing across the racetrack as if they were born in the mid-1980s. To accommodate players, each game offers 10 betting stations.
This game became popular among casino-goers seeking an affordable and enjoyable experience due to its low cost, nostalgic ambiance, leisurely pace (with 90 seconds between races), and social atmosphere.
Why Did MGM Grand remove Sigma Derby?
For years, Las Vegas has been the exclusive home of the last two Sigma Derby games found in casinos. These games have served as a unique and alluring attraction, drawing visitors to the MGM Grand and The D specifically to experience the thrill. However, regrettably, the end of this era has been looming for quite some time now.
The Sigma Derby game at MGM Grand has experienced frequent closures for repairs, almost matching its operational time in recent years. Despite the efforts of dedicated technicians at MGM Grand to maintain the game, it has reached a point where they had no choice but to discontinue it.
Sigma Derby, a game that has surpassed the 30-year mark, is no longer in production. Each passing year makes it increasingly challenging to locate replacement parts to repair the game. The frequency at which the game breaks down coupled with the near impossibility of finding its components, makes the task of keeping the game operational a true labor of affection.
According to an undisclosed informant, MGM Grand has exhaustively attempted to extend its operational duration, but unfortunately, it is no longer feasible.
Sigma Derby has a varying house edge ranging from 10 to 20 percent, depending on the resource. However, even with this edge, the low limits of the game prevent it from being a highly lucrative option for MGM Grand.
Gorilla Or Buffalo Ways
The popular casino game lives on at The D
In the “Vintage Vegas” section of the casino, amidst a collection of older slot machines, The D Las Vegas is proud to be the sole host of the last standing Sigma Derby game.
Derek Stevens, owner of The D, announced with pride that the D Las Vegas is now the exclusive host of the Sigma Derby horse-racing slot machine in Las Vegas. Being one of the rare few remaining in the world, it is a remarkable addition to our establishment. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of more visitors from all corners of the globe, inviting them to drop by and experience the thrill of placing bets on their beloved horses.
The Fortune Cup horse racing game can be found on the second floor, right next to Sigma Derby. Unlike the majority of vintage games in this area of the casino, Fortune Cup is a modern addition. It presents a fresh alternative for those interested in betting on virtual horses.
Fortune Cup may lack the nostalgic charm and simplicity that diehard Sigma Derby fans adore. The horses glide effortlessly, the video betting stations can be perplexing, and it seems to lack the beloved kitsch of its predecessor.
Fortune Cup, similar to Sigma Derby, is conveniently situated near The D’s Vue Bar, catering to the desires of numerous electronic game enthusiasts seeking top-notch amenities in a casino setting.
The Fortune Cup can be found in numerous casinos across the country, although its level of popularity varies.
Some casinos see better results with it compared to slot machines, while others fail to attract patrons. Although it doesn’t quite match the thrill of Sigma Derby, it adequately satisfies certain gamblers seeking a different experience.
