Rick Langenberg and Trevor Phipps
Fire off the cannons, as it’s time again to party, celebrate and have fun; and yes, enjoy The Best of What the Teller and Pikes Peak High Country offers
TMJ readers, online viewers, residents, gaming and history enthusiasts, and many visitors came out in force to voice their favorite picks in the last few months. The voting this year (done completely online, and via email submittals), crashed all previous records with close to 15,000 ballots carded. Amazing.
While Hollywood may have recently had their annual Academy Awards competition, Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Teller County and the entire Pikes Peak region has gained quite a reputation for an equally competitive showdown: the infamous “Best Of Championship,” sponsored by TMJ News (The Mountain Jackpot) newspaper over the last few decades, a showdown featured for more than 35 years. And not to be too bias, our contest is way more objective than that of the egotistical stars from Hollywood, who had their recent night in the spotlight, which this year seemed to put everyone to sleep other than the occasional upsets.
Once again, readers and TMJ Best Of voters declared their favorite places to gamble, play slots, recreate, dine and enjoy family time, grumble at politicians, bureaucrats and journalists (yes, a rare concept in our land of enlightenment.) And with the definite end of COVID and the end of another presidential election, the good or bad times are back.
In addition, voters were not shy about announcing their top picks for public servants, casino employees, local personalities, bartenders, politicians and more. In a heavily contested Best Of 2025 contest, TMJ readers and Best Of participants dealt a few upsets and surprises, as well as making obvious choices for the region’s high and low points. For the eighth year in a row, we continued to add more categories for our Best Of competitions.
We have strived to encompass a much wider area than Cripple Creek, Victor and southern Teller. (Contrary to public opinion, there is a world beyond the CC/V district. But we must give the southern Teller folks credit, as their strong interest and enthusiasm in the Best Of showdown three decades ago really led to this annual edition.
Don’t ever say people in Cripple Creek and Victor aren’t competitive and don’t have opinions.
For this week, (our March 18 edition), we are unveiling the bulk of Best Of winners and finalists for the heavily competitive casino, food/restaurant and key business categories.
Much more will come during our March 25 issue, as we focus more on niche contests, individual winners and additional business and regional contests.
And in the near future, more articles and social media posts will appear, celebrating the accomplishments of some of the grand winners. And best of all, thanks to the many people who participated in this year’s contest. You are the Best of The Best!
Cripple Creek Casinos
Safest/Cleanest Casino
Gold – Triple Crown Casinos
Silver – Chamonix
Bronze – Century
Honorable Mention: Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ: Triple Crown
In a competition originally prompted by the coronavirus epidemic, (I know we shouldn’t mention that word), few changes occurred in the winning ranks compared to the last few years. Once again, the Triple Crown Casinos group, which sports three gaming outlets on Bennett, prevailed as the safest and cleanest gaming operation in Cripple Creek. TC has followed detailed procedures first implemented during the ghastly and nasty coronavirus scare, which shut down the industry for three-plus months. Their detailed procedures actually helped the industry avoid another shutdown, which appeared imminent at the time. The new Chamonix Casino & Hotel, which has dazzled customers with its upscale look, took the runner-up spot. Old Bob Womack and company, the namesake legendary figure in which the Century casino property was originally named after, snagged the Bronze. Bob liked a whiskey here and there, (or maybe more than a few) but prided in having a safe environment. Meanwhile, Double Eagle also received many high marks in the safe and clean showdown.
Best Casino Atmosphere
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Triple Crown Casinos (McGills)
Bronze – Johnny Nolon’s/Colorado Grande
Honorable Mention: Century
Last year’s champ: Triple Crown
The Chamonix, Cripple Creek’s $350 million-plus addition, grabbed top honors as the casino property with the best atmosphere. Since arriving in town in late 2023 and early 2024, the Chamonix has clearly set a new standard and was often dubbed as the game changer for Cripple Creek gaming. It offers European elegance, yet still maintains a Colorado, casual feel. But many Best Of participants still favor the Triple Crown Casinos and especially the McGills Hotel and Casino with its ample space, crafty layout and location right next to the Pint & Platter. That comes in handy for post-St. Patrick’s Day toasts. And the new renovations at Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande, under the leadership of Rocky Mountain Gaming CC, have given these properties the friendly, welcoming touch that was missing for some time. Moreover, they are becoming true local casinos, an attribute once revered in the Cripple Creek gaming community. And many enjoy the friendly environment of Century, capped by the spirit of Bob Womack.
Most Money Won and Where?
Gold – Johnny Nolon’s
Silver – Golden Nugget
Bronze – Triple Crown
Honorable Mention: Bronco Billy’s
Last year’s winner – Golden Nugget
In a slight changing guard, Johnny Nolon’s courtesy of a campaign by Rocky Mountain Gaming CC to usher in more updated and winning-friendly games, took top honors. Johnny would be proud. But the real winner of this category is the town of Cripple Creek. The myth is that Cripple Creek gamblers can’t win big in the old mining camp. Wrong. Unfortunately, if we disclose the specific amounts big winners came away with, we may face bodily injury. Let’s just say, there are some big jackpots to be had in Cripple Creek. Besides Nolon’s, many Best Of participants cited their winning takes at Golden Nugget, which is following in the footsteps of its former operator, the Wildwood. In the past, they have provided regular press releases about huge strikes that made your eyes pop, with the question, “Why Can’t That Happen to Me.” But as expected, Triple Crown and Bronco Billy’s made respectable showings.
Loosest Slots In Cripple Creek
Gold – Midnight Rose (Triple Crown Casinos)
Silver – Johnny Nolon’s/Colorado Grande
Bronze – Double Eagle
Honorable Mention: Century
In a hefty showdown, and one that garnered a record number of votes, Triple Crown Casinos gained the illustrious title as King of the Loose in Cripple Creek, or where gamblers can make out with their bets. This year’s victory was attributed to sterling reviews of the player-friendly slots of the Midnight Rose, one of the first casinos opened during the first month of gaming. Their other properties, Brass Ass and McGills also captured the hearts of loose-slot searchers. This marked the eighth consecutive year Triple Crown has won this competition. Talk about an annual tradition. But many voters favored Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande, two gaming properties that have gotten a real boost as part of a new ownership change and a bid to become the Loosest of the Loose town of Cripple Creek, which already is known for winner-friendly numbers. But Double Eagle also fared quite well in the land of the Loose Slots and Games. Not surprisingly, many of our voters favored the namesake hangout of Bob Womack, whose legacy is peppered throughout the walls of Century.
Most Welcoming Casino
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Century
Bronze – Johnny Nolon’s/Colorado Grande/Triple Crown Casinos
Honorable mention: Double Eagle
Last year’s champ: Triple Crown Casinos
It only makes sense that the gaming property rated at the top for its atmosphere also takes home the bacon as the most welcoming. Chalk up another victory for the Chamonix Casino & Hotel which has given the town a new luxurious look. Their front entrance is sported with scores of employees, ready to lead you in the right direction. Century garnered a respectable runner-up slot. We can attest to this Welcoming fact at Century, in the way we are greeted when we deliver newspapers there, or try to figure out what door to use, among the various entrances and nuances from the sidewalk changes on Bennett. Very friendly employees. But this is a trait that characterizes the town as a whole and separates it from Black Hawk. Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande, part of the new changes implemented by Rocky Mountain Gaming, also hit the jackpot in this Welcoming competition; along with Triple Crown Casinos, which sports three distinctly different properties that have their own special flavor.
Best Table Games
Brass Ass – (Triple Crown)
Silver – Golden Nugget
Bronze – Double Eagle
Honorable Mention – Bronco Billy’s/Chamonix
Last year’s champ – Triple Crown Casinos
When Amendment 50 was implemented in the summer of 2009, the stakes definitely changed for Colorado gaming with the arrival of new (more Vegas-style games), such as Roulette and Craps and much higher limits. Although Cripple Creek hasn’t fared as well as Black Hawk with these games, the town definitely abounds with much more excitement. And with the official ending of bet limits in the summer of 2021, the table stakes are now even greater and quite wild. Some have referred to this development (ending betting stakes) as a game-changer for Cripple Creek. This is something the town needed to do years ago. It upped the market for Cripple Creek gaming and gave town leaders a chance to throw out the term destination area like never before.
Probably no local place characterizes this fun local table action as much as the Brass Ass. This is what folks imagined with these new added games, without getting too pretentious or too Vegas or Black Hawkish. Brass Ass has won this title for years. But at the same time, many of our voters favored the single-floor, mini-Vegas look of Golden Nugget (formerly the Wildwood), which boasts a great table atmosphere. At the same time, some opted for the more laid-back table style at Double Eagle. Plus, the early birth of the Chamonix project at Bronco Billy’s has attracted much excitement. The great atmosphere at Cripple Creek table game areas still rates as one of the town’s best kept secrets. But the secret is coming out of the bag with unlimited stakes and a better environment for high rollers. Get ready for more fun.
Best Casino Food Deals
Gold – Miner’s Pick (Triple Crown)
Silver – Home Café’ (Bronco Billy’s
Bronze – Mid City Grill (Century)
Honorable Mention: Lombard’s (Double Eagle
Like most gaming towns, the Creek is bustling with great casino food deals, and great options for folks, whether they are on the go, or want a good meal at an affordable price. For this year’s competition, the Miner’s Pick clearly took home the bacon as the place with the best food deals. Makes definite sense. The Miner’s Pick, located below the Brass Ass and part of the Triple Crown network, is known for their enticing pizzas and great sandwiches, especially for those on the go, or wanting a short break from their gaming adventure upstairs in the casino area. And it’s hard to beat Bronco Billy’s Home Café for affordable options.
Best Casino Restaurant
Gold – Pint & Platter (Triple Crown)
Silver – 980 Prime (Chamonix)
Bronze – Lombard’s (Double Eagle)
Honorable mention: Saltgrass Steak House (Golden Nugget)
The changes and expansion development action in Cripple Creek has changed the restaurant scenario quite a bit from 2023. Best Of participants this year opted fora favorite Irish-inspired, pub-like setting and a place (located in McGills casino) that appeases to a variety of tastes. How can you argue with the Irish, and how can you not enjoy the Pint & Platter for a brew or special platter. Their fish and chips and burgers are legendary. Many love the new steakhouse at the Chamonix, known as 980 Prime, an exquisite spot on the weekends. Also, the Double Eagle’s Lombard’s is another favorite. As noted on their website, “whether you’ve got a hankering for a flame broiled old fashioned burger, a filling rainbow veggie salad, some tasty stir fry, a basket of fish and chips, or a few slices of a mouth-watering pizza our seasons, friendly and local chefs will cook up a savory meal that exceeds your expectations.” Kind of tells the story of their definite rise in popularity. In other words, do not doubt the thriving popularity of casino restaurants.
Best Casino Lodging
Gold – Century Casino
Silver – Chamonix
Bronze – Golden Nugget
Honorable Mention – Colorado Grande
Last year’s champ – Century
You just can’t compete with a classy lodging hub, even with millions of dollars in enhancements at other locales. For yet another year, TMJ Best Of participants gave the definite thumbs-up for the amazing and spacious luxurious suites and overall lodging amenities of Century casino. They are known for their award-winning king and queen setups. Century returned to its gold status as the town’s lodging favorite last year, and just can’t get unseated. Many, though, loved the amenities at the Chamonix, which now sports more than 300 rooms. The Golden Nugget hotel, which gained prominence as Cripple Creek’s first new casino hotel in years, when it opened in 2021, also snagged many votes. In addition, many touted one of the best kept lodging secrets in town: the seven or so deluxe rooms of the historic Colorado Grande. Maybe, Maggie, the property’s infamous ghost, will pay you a visit.
Best Casino Players Club
Gold – Century
Silver – Bronco Billy’s
Bronze – Triple Crown
Honorable Mention: Golden Nugget
Last Year’s Champ – Golden Nugget
No real surprises here. For years in the local gaming community Century Cripple Creek has gotten quite a reputation for its Players Club and the multi-varied benefits provided. These clubs are quite popular and are a heavily favored tool to get patrons to return and enjoy many of the establishment’s unknown perks. Century, courtesy of its former namesake, Womacks, which often played off the legacy of Bob Womack, probably the town’s most well-known of its infamous characters of gold rush pioneers, always paid intricate detail to its players card and the desire of their regular assortment of customers. But not surprisingly, Bronco Billy’s and Triple Crown Casinos fared extremely well in the Players’ showdown.
Best Casino Entertainment
Gold – The Opening of the Chamonix, and Special Event with Jay Leno
Silver – Talk about future special events and housing
Bronze – Gaming Town Rumors
Last Year’s Champ: Speculation about the Chamonix
Not much say on this one, with most voters citing casino entertainment as one area in which local gaming establishments need some work, when it comes to stepping up their game. Hopefully, this will occur with the town’s recent developments in bringing back more special events and in the advent of the Chamonix’s arrival to town. And course, those that got invited to their grand opening got a real treat with a rare live performance by Jay Leno, the former host of the NBC’s Tonight Show But what the casinos lack in live music and stand-up comedy, they make up with, courtesy of the town’s flair for rumors and political speculation; and yes, wild social media posts. Of course, everyone is an absolute expert on what special events will transform the town to greatness, or the real solutions for its housing quagmire. Cripple Creek is not spared these days from this rumor madness. Please bring back more live music and shows, so we can mute out some of these bizarre rumors, which take on a life of their own. Fleetwood Mac could even reunite and do a sequel album to their popular masterpiece “Rumours,” based on Cripple Creeks rumors.
Best New Casino Renovation Project
Gold – Rocky Mountain Gaming CC (Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande)
Silver – The Finishing Touches on the Chamonix
Last year’s champ – Bronco Billy’s Expansion
Old Johnny and the legendary spirit of Maggie are having the time of their life. Johnny Nolon, the former saloon owner in the gold rush era who had to grapple with gunfights, bar brawls and rockin’ great times, would definitely endorse the renovation changes and other improvements transpiring at his house of entertainment. And Maggie, part of the Colorado Grande mystique, would have the same views. The Rocky Mountain Gaming debut of these properties, with the help of such familiar figures as Joe Canfora, (former co-owner of the Wildwood) has been a sigh of great relief. These properties just seemed to be losing their local appeal. Now, the town can again enjoy the benefits of real local casino hangouts that showcase the town’s historic roots in a unique way while allowing patrons to win a little money and to converse with their friends. And yes, the Chamonix scored well in this competition, while some wondered if the project will ever get a full-fledged final certificate of occupancy permit. This project has been ongoing since 2018 and has probably set a local record for permit extensions. But Full House Resorts, the owner of Bronco Billy’s, is definitely reaching the finish line when it comes to property improvements.
Best Casino Facebook Post Campaign
Gold – Rocky Mountain Gaming
Silver – Triple Crown Casinos
Bronze – Bronco Billy’s
This relatively new genre received many comments by Best Of participants. Many loved the recent posts by Rocky Mountain Gaming, on behalf of Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande, who unveiled their casinos’ new image in a fun way. But Triple Crown also snagged much praise for their Facebook push, showing off the diversity of the attributes they have to offer and their local company image and style for boasting a non-Vegas experience.
Best Casino Bar
Gold – Johnny Nolon’s
Silver – Pint & Platter
Bronze- Woody’s
Last Year’s Champ – Pint & Platter
The friendly good times, with a link back to the old gold rush scene, is alive and well at the Johnny Nolon’s main entrance bar. This is quite a gem for those wanting to enjoy a cold one, while winning a few bets. Old Johnny was known to handle many of his business dealings right inside his own drinking and gambling hub, and often got into a few fights and even shoot-outs. So much for the good old days. These historic touches, with a modern upkeep, is part of the new changes under the guise of Rocky Mountain Gaming. But many patrons favor the Irish flavor of Pint & Platter, located inside McGills. Pint & Platter offers a great atmosphere, except you may run into TMJ journalists on occasion, who enjoy a pint or two. A really great addition to the town. And who cannot love Woody’s, the sports bar at Golden Nugget, allowing folks to play slots and partake in live sports wagering, while sipping their beverage of choice. Casino bars are one of these closely-guarded secrets in Cripple Creek, a trend that sometimes get overlooked, following the closure of smaller casinos.
Best Casino Manager
Gold – Baxter Lee, Bronco Billy’s/Chamonix
Silver – Jerry Berger, Triple Crown
Bronze – Scott Porter, Triple Crown
Last year’s champ: Matt Andrighetti, Golden Nugget
Talk about a changing of the guard. This year, Baxter Lee, who has held the managerial ropes of Bronco Billy’s and Chamonix for some time and undoubtedly holds the record for the most trips in front of a Cripple Creek City Council by a casino boss, won hands down. Most laud Baxter’s friendly and folksy style and ability to weather the many changes that occurred at the Chamonix. Dealing with the task of turning a $350 million project into reality was not an easy ordeal, while trying to appease elected leaders, customers, owners and even journalists. But as in past years, both Jerry Berger and Scott Porter of Triple Crown were also heavily praised.
Additional Cripple Creek Competitions
Best Cripple Creek Bar
Gold – District Kitchen & Saloon
Silver – The Creek
Bronze – Pint & Platter
Honorable Mention: Woody’s
Last year’s champ: The Creek
When in Cripple Creek, not everyone wants to spend all of their time gambling in a casino. And since its long-awaited opening in March 2024, the District Kitchen & Saloon, known by locals as simply the District Saloon, has become a prime hangout. It features more of a big-city feel (well, by Cripple Creek standards) with its massive spacious bar, scores of big screen televisions for sports buffs, regular weekly festivities, live music and more. And to top it off, the District features a great menu and is open for extended hours. The Creek, though, is still quite popular as a local favorite hangout spo, and has gained quite a following since they opened their doors in the summer of 2022. All of these are prime areas for post-council meeting gathering spots, where the town’s woes are always solved. Both the District Saloon and The Creek are known for their friendly and amicable staff and owners. The Pint & Platter is a different type of casino bar that has received stellar reviews in Best Of competitions for the last seven years. Woody’s inside the Golden Nugget is a big hit among sports fans.
Best Cripple Creek Retail Shop
Gold – Creations Everlasting (Double Eagle)
Silver – The Mercantile
Bronze – Colorado Trading and Transfer Store (District Museum)
Honorable mention: General Store
Last year’s champ – Creations Everlasting
Creations Everlasting serves as an absolute gem for tourists, out-of-town visitors, sports buffs and locals, with its wide assortment of NFL merchandise, vintage items, clothing, coffee, and boutique specialties. It shows why non-gaming outlets can succeed in Cripple Creek. The Mercantile is also one of the newer nongaming shops that brandishes unique items with a Colorado theme. Colorado Trading and Transfer store, once again, proved that historic relics are still hot items. And who can visit Cripple Creek without taking a trek inside the General Store.
Best Cripple Creek Specialty Shop
Gold – Colorado Trade and Transfer Shop (District Museum)
Silver – Creations Everlasting
Bronze – Maudie’s Incredible Emporium
Last Year’s Champ: Colorado Trade and Transfer Shop
No big surprises here, as the Colorado Trade and Transfer shop has continued to gain much popularity as a specialty gem, followed by Creations Everlasting and Maudie’s.
Best Cripple Creek/Victor Event
Gold – Donkey Derby Days
Silver – Ice Fest
Bronze – Victor Celebrates the Arts
Bronze – CC/V Mine Head Lighting
No question about this one. The Donkey Derby Days festival, which attracted thousands to the area last summer and hosted a bonanza of a parade and a spree of donkey races, clearly struck gold as the top local event. This event, sponsored by the Two Mile High Club, really shined last summer. Several TMJ staffers, and one of the area’s leading canine ambassadors (no names will be released to protect the guilty) even partook in the occasion. This festival proved that locals and visitors love their classic events. Ice Fest, though, is quite a draw, and probably wins hands down as the best winter gathering. But many love the uniqueness of Victor Celebrates the Arts.
Best Community Gripe
Lack of Affordable Housing
Need for more retail and kids’ family activities
Vacant buildings and infrastructure woes
