Stardew Valley Desert Casino Guide
The Desert Casino is a secret gambling establishment located in the back room of the Oasis shop in the Calico Desert. It offers two casino games, a shop with rare items, and a unique currency system using Qi Coins.
How to Unlock the Desert Casino
To enter the Desert Casino, you must complete The Mysterious Qi quest chain to obtain the Club Card. This multi-step quest involves placing specific items in hidden locations around Stardew Valley.
The Mysterious Qi Quest Steps
- Place 1 Battery Pack in the encrypted box at the tunnel next to the Bus Stop.
- Place 1 Rainbow Shell in the box at the Train Station.
- Place 10 Beets in Mayor Lewis’s refrigerator.
- Place 1 Solar Essence in the mouth of the Sand Dragon in the Calico Desert.
- Check the wood pile next to your house.
Final Reward: Club Card (allows entry to the Desert Casino)
Important Note About Beets
Beets can only be purchased from the Traveling Cart during Winter at 100g each. It is highly recommended to stock up on Beets in advance, as they are not always available and are required to progress through the quest chain.
Casino Games
CalicoJack (Blackjack Variant)
CalicoJack is a card game similar to Blackjack and is the most reliable way to earn Qi Coins.
Tables and Stakes
- Low Stakes Table: 100 Qi Coins per game
- High Stakes Table: 1,000 Qi Coins per game
How to Play
- Objective: Score higher than the dealer without exceeding 21.
- Both the player and dealer are dealt two cards. The first card is valued 1-11, and the second is valued 1-9.
- The dealer’s first card is hidden.
- The player can choose to Stay or Hit (draw a card valued 1-9).
- Bust: If your total exceeds 21, you lose immediately.
- CalicoJack: If your total is exactly 21, you win immediately.
- If you choose to stay, the dealer reveals their hidden card and draws until they either bust or reach a total of 18 or higher that matches or exceeds your total.
Dealer Behavior
- The dealer usually stands on 18 but may draw in specific cases.
- If the player has 18 or higher, the dealer has a chance to instantly bust:
- 10% chance at 18
- 25% chance at 19
- 50% chance at 20
- There is a small chance the dealer draws a Qi Fruit image, which results in an automatic dealer bust and your bet is tripled.
Odds and Strategy
- The odds slightly favor the player (not the house).
- Luck does NOT affect CalicoJack results.
- Weighted odds mean hitting with 16 or higher increases your chance to get 20 or 21.
- Optimal Strategy: Stand on 18 or higher, except when the dealer shows a 9, in which case stand on 19 or higher.
- Double Or Nothing is available after winning a hand.
Slot Machine
The Slot Machine is another way to try your luck at the Desert Casino.
- Bet: 1 to 100 Qi Coins per spin.
- Objective: Match symbols to win.
- Luck does NOT affect slot machine results.
Qi Coins
Qi Coins are the exclusive currency used in the Desert Casino. They are stored separately from your regular gold.
Purchasing Qi Coins
- Speak to the NPC near the slot machines.
- Exchange Rate: 1,000g = 100 Qi Coins (10g per Qi Coin)
- Note: Qi Coins cannot be converted back to gold.
Earning Qi Coins
- Buy them with gold.
- Win at CalicoJack (most reliable method).
- Win at the Slot Machine.
Casino Shop
The store is located in the top-right corner of the casino. Note that in some resolution settings, you may need to zoom out to access the shop.
| Item | Qi Coin Price | Stock | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ’Primal Motion’ (furniture) | 5,000 | Infinite | Decorative furniture for your house |
| ’Burnt Offering’ (furniture) | 4,000 | Infinite | Decorative furniture for your house |
| ’Highway 89’ (furniture) | 4,000 | Infinite | Decorative furniture for your house |
| ’Spires’ (furniture) | 3,000 | Infinite | Decorative furniture for your house |
| Top Hat | 8,000 | Infinite | A gentleman’s classic hat |
| Rarecrow #3 (Alien) | 10,000 | Infinite | Collectible scarecrow (3 of 8) |
| Hardwood Fence | 100 | 20 | The most durable type of fence |
| Magnet | 1,000 | 20 | Increases chance of finding treasures when fishing |
| Warp Totem: Farm | 1,000 | 20 | Warp directly to your house |
| Modern Double Bed | 8,000 | Infinite | Can be placed inside your house |
| Fireworks (Red) | 200 | 20 | Celebration fireworks |
| Fireworks (Purple) | 200 | 20 | Celebration fireworks |
| Fireworks (Green) | 200 | 20 | Celebration fireworks |
| Wallpaper | 10,000 | Infinite | Decorates walls of one room |
| Wallpaper | 100,000 | Infinite | Premium wallpaper |
| Flooring | 100,000 | Infinite | Decorates floor of one room |
Shop Recommendations
- Rarecrow #3 (Alien): Essential for completing the Rarecrow collection and crafting the Deluxe Scarecrow.
- Magnet: Useful for fishing, increases treasure find chance.
- Warp Totem: Farm: Convenient for fast travel back to your farm (consumable).
- Fireworks: Fun decorative items for celebrations.
Tips
- CalicoJack is the most reliable way to earn Qi Coins. Learn the optimal strategy and stick to it.
- The odds slightly favor the player, making it a consistent source of Qi Coins over time.
- Prioritize purchasing the Rarecrow #3 if you are working toward the Deluxe Scarecrow.
- Warp Totem: Farm is useful for quick travel back to your farm.
- Stock up on Beets from the Traveling Cart during Winter before starting The Mysterious Qi quest chain.
- Press Y on keyboard to quickly answer “yes” at the Qi coin vending machine.