A Touch of the Oxford Blues
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
There was a time when the rural state of Maine was simply known for unearthing clams and cracking lobster claws.
But since 2012, the Pine Tree State has ditched monotony in the vibrant form of the Oxford Casino.
Husked deep into the state’s heartland, the Oxford Casino provides the ideal escape from the tranquility of surrounding farmlands and harbor communities.
Whereas New England gamers are long accustomed to the monstrosities of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, the Oxford Casino brings a cozy alternative to the buzzy mayhem and frantic crowds.
Waltzing through its front doors feels much akin to a stroll into your favorite pub, as a cordial host welcomes you from behind a wooden dais.
After a brief promotional pitch, you’re quickly immersed in the casino’s main floor, which crams a total 970 slot machines across its modest square footage.
If you prefer a healthy buffer zone, this casino may not be your flavor, as it often feels a tad stuffy, even claustrophobic. Our chipster often found himself rubbing elbows (literally) with fellow lever pullers.
Spill out into the gaming region, where a paltry 28 table games await. On the upside, a comfortable $5 minimum provides flexibility to low and high rollers alike, be it blackjack, roulette, Mississippi Stud, Spanish 21, and craps.
The tables were splendidly underpopulated, allowing quick access to the games of your liking.
On the downside, the gaming personnel (dealers and box men) seemed rather amateurish, leaving you on high alert for gaffes and miscues.
But where Oxford falls woefully short is in its amenities and services. Whereas a self-serve coffee and soft drink station seemed a bit peculiar, an alcoholic beverage (even while gaming) will come at full ante.
Worse, snagging a cocktail proved more elusive than a lucky seven, as a waiter/waitress orbited the area as frequently as a jackpot score.
The remaining on-floor personnel also seemed highly aloof, like the attendant oblivious to the whereabouts of the ATM machine, which resided a mere twenty feet from his post.
And if you’re famished, you won’t fare much better, as a quick-service countertop offers slim pickings.
The Call: Our chipster visited on a subdued Wednesday in early February, blending with the salty local townspeople over a day of dice, slots, and roulette spins. Although lacking the sizzle and décor of a high-profiled venue, Oxford Casino brings with it a subtle charm and visceral appeal in its quaintness. And despite taking a licking at the only operating craps table, the overall experience was pleasant, relaxing, and ultimately, enjoyable.
