Overview
Las Vegas is the world’s most complete gambling playground—from the Strip’s megaresorts and luxury poker rooms to Downtown’s throwback tables and off‑Strip locals’ joints. Since 2022, the World Series of Poker has run on the Strip at Horseshoe/Paris, while icons like the Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street anchor the city’s two classic vibes. In 2024, The Mirage closed to be transformed into Hard Rock Las Vegas (projected 2027), a bookend to the megaresort era that Mirage kicked off in 1989.
Best Time to Visit
- Sweet spot months: March–May & September–November (milder weather; still plenty of events).
- Value windows: Mid‑week stays, peak‑summer heat (June–August), or just after large conventions.
- Events & sports: Major fight nights, F1, NFL home games, and big concert residencies can spike prices—book early.
Legality & Rules
- Age: You must be 21+ to gamble or loiter in gaming areas (Nevada law).
- Taxes: Gambling winnings are taxable in the U.S.; casinos may issue Form W‑2G for certain wins. Keep records of wins/losses.
- Smoking: Most casino gaming floors allow smoking under Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act exemption; Park MGM is a rare fully smoke‑free Strip resort.
Always check posted rules at the table—blackjack payout (3:2 vs 6:5), craps odds, and side bets vary by property and time of day.
Top 10 Casinos in Las Vegas
- Bellagio – Luxury flagship with the iconic fountains and a respected poker room.
- ARIA – Modern, pro‑friendly poker room; strong dining and nightlife.
- Wynn/Encore – Polished high‑limit action and upscale crowd.
- Venetian/Palazzo – Massive gaming floors; connected to Sphere entertainment.
- Caesars Palace – Roman‑themed classic; lively pits and sportsbook.
- Resorts World – Newer north‑Strip complex with a slick casino floor.
- Fontainebleau – Newest luxury tower with stylish gaming spaces.
- Golden Nugget (Downtown) – Classic Fremont vibe with a tighter footprint.
- Circa (Downtown) – Sports‑centric energy and Stadium Swim spectacle.
- The Orleans (Off‑Strip) – Locals’ value plays and a popular 35‑table poker room.
Must-Visit Spots for Gamblers
- Fountains of Bellagio: Free, choreographed water show—still the Strip’s signature photo‑op.
- Fremont Street Experience: Canopy light shows, street energy, and tighter table games nearby.
- Sphere: Immersive venue (U2, Dead & Company, “Postcard from Earth”); book ahead.
- Circa’s Stadium Swim: Multi‑pool amphitheater with a giant HD screen—sports + sun.
Budget & Gambling Ranges
Table minimums change with time of day, day of week, events, and property. As a rule of thumb:
- Strip pits: Expect higher minimums, especially evenings/weekends.
- Downtown & locals’ casinos: Often lower minimums; best chances weekday mornings/afternoons.
- Blackjack & craps: $10–$25 minimums are common; sub‑$10 exists mostly off‑Strip or off‑peak.
If value matters, hunt for 3:2 blackjack (avoid 6:5), and check morning pits or off‑Strip rooms like Ellis Island, Silverton, or Station/South Point properties.
Tips & Tricks
- Time your play: Morning and mid‑week usually mean lower mins and less crowding.
- Mind the rules: Favor 3:2 blackjack; on craps, maximize free odds instead of prop bets.
- Use players clubs: Sign up for comps on day one (rooms, meals, match play).
- Smoke‑sensitive? Choose Park MGM or stick to non‑smoking sections.
- Big events: Fights, F1, NFL, or major residencies spike prices—book early or shift dates.
Casino Reviews (Highlights)
Casino Spotlights
Bellagio
Luxury icon; fountains out front, refined pits, and a respected poker room.
ARIA
Pro‑friendly poker room with daily action and tourneys; sleek modern floor.
Circa (Downtown)
Sports energy + Stadium Swim—a multi‑pool amphitheater with a giant screen.
The Orleans
Locals’ value with a 35‑table poker room and friendlier minimums off‑Strip.
- Bellagio – elegant atmosphere, iconic poker room; higher minimums, stellar service.
- Aria – modern, tech-forward pits; great for mid-to-high stakes and series.
- Wynn/Encore – ultra-luxe rooms and dealers; expect premium table limits.
- MGM Grand – massive floor and events; lively but can be crowded.
- Caesars Palace – classic energy with a top-tier sportsbook experience.
- Venetian/Palazzo – spacious upscale vibe; large slot and table selection.
- Cosmopolitan – trendy scene, rooftop vibes; higher mins at peak hours.
- Golden Nugget (Downtown) – classic meets modern; friendlier minimums.
- Circa (Downtown) – cutting-edge sportsbook and pool; busy on big games.
Hotel Recommendations
Luxury
- Wynn/Encore – refined rooms and service; high-limit action nearby.
- Bellagio – fountain views and iconic poker room.
- Aria – sleek design, strong table rules.
- Venetian/Palazzo – grand suites and dining.
Value & Mid-Range
- Park MGM – smoke-free casino; central location.
- Flamingo / The LINQ – budget-friendly, walkable Strip access.
- Horseshoe – convenient to major tournament series.
- Golden Nugget / Circa (Downtown) – lower limits; classic vibe.
Booking tips: Compare weekday vs weekend rates; factor resort fees; enroll in loyalty programs for comps.
Local Attractions
- Fremont Street Experience, Neon Museum, Mob Museum.
- Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains, High Roller observation wheel.
- Headliner residencies and Cirque du Soleil shows.
Getting Around
- Walk the Strip in clusters; distances are longer than they appear.
- Monorail (east side), rideshares, and trams link major resorts.
- Downtown is compact; consider a combined Strip/Downtown itinerary.
Vegas Lore
The Mirage (1989) is widely credited with launching the “megaresort” era—its success set off a 1990s building boom that reshaped the Strip. Today, the property is closed for a multi‑year transformation into Hard Rock Las Vegas (target 2027). Meanwhile, the WSOP moved from the Rio to the Strip in 2022 (Horseshoe/Paris), and new icons like Sphere and Circa have added fresh gravity to both ends of town.
FAQ
What is the legal gambling age in Las Vegas?
When is the best time to visit?
What’s the minimum I need to gamble?
What is the legal gambling age in Las Vegas?
21+. Nevada law prohibits persons under 21 from gambling or loitering in gaming areas.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov) balance weather and prices. For value, consider mid‑week or the summer heat.
Where can I find lower table minimums?
Check Downtown and off‑Strip locals’ casinos, and play mornings/weekday afternoons.
Do casinos allow smoking?
Most gaming floors permit smoking under state law exemptions. Park MGM is fully smoke‑free.
Will the WSOP be on the Strip?
Since 2022, WSOP has been hosted at Horseshoe/Paris on the Strip.