Best US Land-based Casinos

Top 10 Brick and Mortar Casinos In the US

In total, there are dozens of brick-and-mortar casinos in the US. However, here we focus solely on the best and most popular ones.

Every player has their own preferences. That's why it's hard to develop a list of objective criteria that a casino needs to match to be among the best. However, we focus on casinos that offer a great overall experience, a variety of games, and plenty of payment methods. These are the household names of the land-based casino scene:

• Bellagio 

• Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

• Wynn Las Vegas 

• Foxwoods Resort Casino

• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 

• Casino del Sol 

• Aria Resort and Casino

• Caesars Palace 

• The Venetian Luxe Casino Resort

• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Bellagio Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Bellagio is one of the most famous casinos out there. You've heard it being casually mentioned in movies and TV shows, seen it in documentaries, and maybe even visited it on your last trip to Vegas. Opened in 1998 by the casino mogul Steve Wynn, Bellagio has become a Sin City institution. 

When it comes to games, Bellagio has plenty to choose from. Table games feature blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, three-card poker, Let It Ride®, Pai Gow, and Pai Gow Poker. 

There's also Club Privé High Limit Lounge that's open 24/7. This is aimed at affluent gamblers looking for a secluded atmosphere and a great selection of games.

In addition, Bellagio is home to 2,300 slot machines, including reel, video slot, video poker machines, and progressive jackpot slots.

The legal minimum age for gambling in Bellagio and other Las Vegas casinos is 21.

However, Bellagio isn't just about gambling. As of 2018, the casino made less than 50% of the resort's revenue. Bellagio is known especially for its fabulous water fountain. You can catch the spectacular musical fountain show every half-hour from the afternoon until midnight. In addition, the five distinctive pool courtyards invite visitors to take a refreshing dip in their azure waters.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (Atlantic City, New Jersey)

Borgata is another brick-and-mortar casino founded by Steve Wynn. It's part of the same MGM Group as Bellagio. Opened in 2003, Borgata's main tower is the third tallest building in Atlantic City.

Borgata boasts an impressive game selection. There are almost 900 different slots, including traditional reel slots, video slots, and poker slots. The minimum stakes range from a penny to five hundred dollars per spin. Table games feature plenty of classics and modern versions of traditional games:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Baccarat
• Mini-baccarat
• Pai gow poker
• Pai gow tiles
• Let it ride
• Four card poker
• Three card poker
• Flop poker
• Texas Hold'em
• Bonus Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Spanish 21
• Big Six

Borgata is also the home to BetMGM Race & Sportsbook, the only place in AC to bet on horseracing. Complete with hundreds of betting terminals, this is the top destination to experience thoroughbred harness racing outside the track. For other sports, head to the BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar. You can enjoy the NFL, MLB or NBA action with other punters in a stylish sports bar and place your bets directly on your phone.

The minimum gambling age in New Jersey is 21. An adult must accompany persons under 18 at all times, and you must be at least 21 to reserve a room in Borgata.

In addition to gambling, Borgata offers a fully-fledged luxury spa. Complete with outdoor and indoor pools, spa treatments, a fitness center, a barbershop, and a salon, Borgata is a great place to relax in a refined atmosphere.

Wynn Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Wynn Las Vegas is a luxury resort founded by - you guessed it - Steve Wynn in 2005. Located on the Las Vegas strip, on the site of the old Desert Inn Hotel, Wynn covers 215 acres, rises 45 floors and has 2,716 rooms. In addition to the casino and hotel, Wynn features a massive convention center. It's adjacent to another Steve Wynn property, Encore, which opened in 2006.

Wynn offers gaming experiences that are hard to top. At Wynn, you can play blackjack or shoot craps poolside at the adults-only European pool. There are also two gaming floors brimming with table games and modern classics. Slots players are also spoiled for choice, with 1,800 slot machines. Highrollers can bet up to $1,000 per spin.

In addition, there's a poker room with daily tournaments and guaranteed $95,000 prize pools. It's on the Encore side of the complex, but you can get there easily by using the pedestrian bridge.

But there's more. In addition to gambling, Wynn Las Vegas offers a wide selection of entertainment and unique experiences. How about a cooking masterclass with Frank Sinatra's personal chef, teaching you how to cook the star's favorite dish, "His Way"? Or playing a round of golf at Wynn's 6,722-yard, par-70 Championship-length course? 

There are also spas, pools, salons, and studio classes to make your body feel great. And when you're feeling peckish, you can choose from 10 fine dining restaurants and 11 more casual eateries or dine in the privacy of your own room.

Foxwoods Resort Casino (Ledyard, Connecticut)

Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe and is located on the tribe's reservation in Ledyard, Connecticut. It was first opened as a Mashantucket Pequot Bingo Hall in 1986 but expanded into the world's largest casino in the 1990s and 2000s. It was later surpassed by Venetian Macau, though.

As you'd guess from a casino this big, there are gambling facilities to choose from:

• 3,500 slots open 24/7
• 250 gaming tables with 22 different games
• Poker room with tournaments every Sunday & Wednesday
• A completely new bingo hall opening in the summer of 2022
• Keno draws every 6 minutes

There are also plenty of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Book a lane at the High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Sports Lounge bowling alley. Challenge your friends at the Monza world-class karting indoor track. Solve puzzles to get out in time at Spellbound Escape. Or enjoy the greatest views in Connecticut on a 350-feet high zipline.

The legal minimum gambling age in Connecticut is 21, although you can play bingo at 18.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (also known as The Cosmopolitan or Cosmo) is a true luxury destination. Opened in 2010 just south of Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan features two 603-foot towers and over 3,000 hotel rooms, many with their own private terraces. In 2013, The Cosmopolitan was rated "The Best Hotel in the World" by the travel website Gogobot, later rebranded as Trip.com.

The Cosmopolitan features plenty of retail space, a spa, a fitness club, a theater, and a convention space. There are also three different types of pools: a relaxing pool, a day club pool, and a nightclub pool.

There are several top-quality restaurants and bars in The Cosmopolitan, but the hotel is especially famous for its Chandelier Bar. The real eye-catcher is the 7 million crystal bead chandelier overhanging the bar and lounge.

The Cosmopolitan's Chelsea Theater is one of the top venues in the city, hosting both artists and world-class stand-up comedians, including Kevin Hart and Bill Burr.

And then there's the casino. A massive 110,000 sq ft casino floor is home to over 1,300 slots, a massive selection of table games, and a high-limit lounge. In addition, you can enjoy race and sports betting on Boulevard Tower's 1st floor. Complete with state-of-the-art LED video walls and a mobile betting system powered by William Hill, the Cosmopolitan offers a spacious and comfortable way to bet.

Casino del Sol (Tucson, Arizona)

Casinos aren't the first thing people think of when talking about Arizona. However, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe currently runs two casinos in the state: the Casino of the Sun, which opened in 1982 as a bingo hall, and the 2001 Casino del Sol. Both are huge employers in the reservation and the Tucson Community, providing almost 2000 jobs.

Casino del Sol features a popular entertainment venue, AVA Amphitheater. It regularly hosts world-famous music and comedy stars: in 2022 alone, you can see ZZ Top, Chris Rock, and Ice-T.

Naturally, there are plenty of fancy restaurants, a massive golf course, spa, pools, fitness center - the whole nine yards.

In gaming facilities, Casino del Sol is on par with its Nevada rivals:

• 1,300 slots machines
• A table games section featuring several versions of blackjack, poker, baccarat and roulette
• A bingo hall seating up to 300 players
• A poker room with weekly tournaments
• A high-limit VIP lounge with $1,200 blackjack tables 

The minimum gambling age in Arizona is 21 for casino games and betting and 18 for bingo.

Aria Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Aria Resort and Casino is a part of the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel resort features two 61 and 51-story towers with over 4,000 rooms and suites. 

Aria is famous for combining luxury, smart design, and environment-saving solutions. The hotel rooms automatically adjust curtains, lights, electronics, and airflow to reduce energy consumption. This has earned it the LEED Gold certification and is the world's largest hotel to receive it. In 2010, Popular Mechanics magazine described Aria as "the most technologically advanced hotel ever built."

Aria offers everything you can expect from a AAA five-diamond resort and: pools, cabanas, a spa, a fitness center, a shopping mall, a salon, an art collection, nightclubs, entertainment, and a few dozen restaurants.

But there's also a world-class casino: 

• Slots ranging from a penny to $5,000 per spin
• 15 different table games featuring both classics and their newer versions
• A high-limit lounge
• An award-winning poker room with several game variations
• Sports betting lounge with a wall of 90 HD screens

Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Caesars Palace is the oldest casino on the list and one of the historical landmarks on the Strip. Originally opened in 1966, Caesars Palace has undergone major renovations and expansions. In its current form, Caesars Palace has over 4,000 rooms and suites in six towers.

The luxury hotel draws its inspiration from ancient Rome. The architecture and the overall look feature many elements associated with Hollywood's imagination of Rome, including statues, columns, and the 20-foot statue of Augustus Caesar.

In addition to the "standard" Vegas resort amenities (pool, spa, salon, shopping, golf, restaurants and nightlife), Caesars Palace has one of the top venues in the city. The Colosseum hosts world-famous entertainers, such as Rod Stewart, Sting, Chris Rock, and Adele. In addition to the fabulous headliners, you can see a variety of productions.

Caesars also offers a world-class casino gambling experience:

• 185 table games
• 1324 slot machines
• 18 massive screens for sports betting
• Poker room with daily tournaments

The Venetian Casino Resort (Las Vegas, Nevada)

The Venetian Las Vegas and its sister complex, the Palazzo, form the second-largest hotel in the world. The Italian city of Venice heavily inspires the theme. There are copies of the city's famous landmarks: St. Mark's Campanile clocktower and the Rialto Bridge. In addition, you can take a gondola ride, stroll down an opulent grand gallery, or take in the marvelous frescoes and painted ceilings.

At a resort of this scale, you'd expect to be pampered and offered experiences hard to find elsewhere. The Venetian won't let you down. In addition to the casino resort staples of pools, treatments, and shopping, you can take a more cultured approach to your visit. The Venetian is brimming with art and architecture reminiscent of the city.

In addition, there's entertainment. In the summer of 2022, you can see Anita Baker, Tracy Morgan, Matt Fraser, "Weird Al" Yankovic, and Earth, Wind & Fire performing in the Venetian. 

The Venetian's casino is also a place to experience. There are more than 1,000 slot games to try on the 200,000-square-foot casino floor. In addition, you can play traditional card games and other table games in a completely new format. The Venetian has gone all out on electronic table games, the land casino version of a live casino. You can also play at the physical gaming tables and even attend a complimentary gaming lesson hosted by an experienced dealer.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (Tampa, Florida)

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is the largest casino in Florida. Founded as a high-stakes bingo hall in 1982, the gambling establishment of the Seminole tribe was rebuilt as a Hard Rock casino in 2003.

As you might expect, the decor and atmosphere are built around rock music and memorabilia. In addition to music videos playing non-stop, you can catch a live show. There's live music daily at one of the restaurants and venues and bigger performances at the Hard Rock Event Center. This summer's top headliners include Alicia Keys, Cypress Hill, Foreigner, and comedy stars Bill Engvall, Chris Tucker, and Amy Schumer.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's casino features 245,000 square feet of gaming space, filled with slots, table games, and poker. There are over 5,000 slots, many with progressive jackpots. You can also try your hand at one of the 15 live-action table games featuring variations of the casino staples. 

The minimum gambling age in Florida is 21 for casino games and 18 for lottery games, poker, bingo, and betting.

Games Variety at Land-based Casinos

Every casino wants to offer various games to appeal to a broad range of players. Slots make up the lion's share of the individual game titles and also contribute the most to the casino's revenue.

Most casinos also offer a range of casino table games operated by real dealers. At land-based casinos in the United States, you can usually find these classics:

• Roulette
• Blackjack
• Baccarat
• Three-card poker
• Craps

In addition, many casinos now offer modern variations of these staples. For example, you can vary your play with games such as Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21 or Super 6 Baccarat. Also, the Chinese hit game Pai Gow and its western variant Pai Gow Poker have landed in many casinos,

Many casinos also feature a dedicated poker room, where you can test your skills and poker face against other players. There are usually daily games and weekly tournaments with impressive prize pots.

Depending on the casino's target audience, you may also find a bingo hall, betting terminals, and racing.

How Loyalty Programs work in LB Casinos.

All casinos encourage you to join their loyalty program or players' club. At many casinos, you'll actually need to register before you can play. Gone are the days when you could just waltz in and start shoving nickels down a slot machine.

But loyalty programs aren't just a necessary evil. They are a great way to earn comps, i.e., complimentary hotel nights, services, drinks, food, and free play. 

The loyalty systems track how much you play and reward you accordingly. There's usually a small perk just for joining, and if you visit the casino regularly, those little comps do add up.

Becoming part of a VIP Program

In addition to a regular loyalty program, many land-based casinos also offer a VIP system for their high-rolling customers. If you enjoy betting big and often, then a VIP program could give you something extra.

First of all, VIP players get massive comps. You can score complimentary suites at hotels, shows, meals, and limousine rides.

Second, you can play in a luxurious VIP environment and have your own private dealer running your game.

Third, if you're a big enough whale, you can negotiate the game's rules in advance. Some of the most successful gamblers do this to bring down the house's edge. When the stakes are high enough, even a slight change in those marginals makes a big difference.

Knowing if a Top Land-Based Casino is Legit

The United States doesn't have a federal system to regulate casinos, and the responsibility for legislation and oversight falls on the state. All the casinos listed here are fully regulated by the local gambling authorities, meaning you can gamble there without worrying about foul play.

However, it's not always easy to know what the local laws regarding gambling are. Here are some things you can do:

1. Check GamingRegulation.com for info on the local licensing system
2. Find the local gambling regulator and check its website for a list of licensees
3. If you can't find the info online, ask the casino to provide you with info about its license.

In addition, you can find experiences on forums and travel sites.

Deposit and Withdrawal methods in US Casinos

Land-based casinos in the US offer different payment methods to suit player preferences. However, if you're used to the payments bonanza found at online casinos, the selection is much slimmer here.

Cash is king, obviously. You can exchange your banknotes into chips for table games or top up your player card balance and hit the slots. Casinos also have ATMs, so you can easily grab some more cash from the wall. 

Some casinos also let you use your debit and credit card to purchase more chips, but this is not universally available.

One common phenomenon is Casino Credit. You can apply for a credit line before you enter the casino and ensure that you don't have to bother with cash. The credit line is connected to your players' club account, and you can access it directly at the machine or gambling table. In addition, you can use it for cashing checks at the casino.

Terms of Service at a Land-based Casino

Every casino has a document called Terms of Service. We strongly recommend reading it through carefully to have a safe, pleasant experience.

The Terms of Service document outlines the legal things affecting gambling, such as age and state limitations. It also explains some of the casinos' rules for gambling and money transfers. By familiarizing yourself with this material, you avoid potentially nasty surprises.

Client Experiences at Land-Based Casinos

Visiting a land-based casino resort can be a unique experience that offers excitement and glamour to your next getaway. 

Gambling is the obvious thing to do at a casino, but as you've read above, the resort surrounding the casino is more than a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head. There are plenty of gambling destinations to choose from, and each of them offers a unique mix of leisure, luxury, and fun.

At a typical Las Vegas resort, you can pamper yourself, dine like royalty and catch a world-class show. Or you can spend your days at the pool, get in shape at the fitness club, play a round of golf and enjoy art and culture. But there are family resorts that trade exclusivity for all-out fun. You can find these all over the US.

US Land-based Casinos FAQ