Which Casino
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with the latest information.
No matter your style or your gambling game, Las Vegas has a casino for you. Here are 12 of the best casinos, where guests can roll the dice, eat like royalty, party like celebs and take in some. The casino offers 165,000 square feet of gambling, dining, and hotel accommodations for international tourists and locals alike. It is located in the Park of the Nations center in the city. The casino hotel offers 1,000 gaming machines and 26 card gaming tables, and there are seven restaurants and bars for fine dining and casual eats in the hotel.
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As we approach summer and states start to ease restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, casinos are betting they can get gamblers back to the tables. New restrictions for dealing with coronavirus concerns will be in play.
Here’s a look at some of the plans to reopen major gambling meccas across the U.S. and the plans that may be in the cards this summer:
Casino.org is the world’s leading independent online gaming authority, providing trusted online casino news, guides, reviews and information since 1995. YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS. Casino is a 1995 American epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, produced by Barbara De Fina and distributed by Universal Pictures.The film is based on the 1995 nonfiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Scorsese.
In This Post
Las Vegas
Sin City shut down in mid-March, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. However, Gov. Steve Sisolak will reopen the state’s casinos on June 4 as long as the trending data regarding coronavirus infections remains consistent.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, I wanted to announce to all Nevadans that I will be holding a press conference on Tuesday, May 26, to discuss the next phase in Nevada’s reopening plan. As long as our data stays consistent, I expect to announce a Phase 2 date for reopening. pic.twitter.com/PzOW3nezWr
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 22, 2020
Read our full guide: A changed Las Vegas prepares to reopen
The shutdown impacted the state’s tourism industry, which directly or indirectly powers one in three jobs in the state. As a result of the quarantine, Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 28.2%.
Regulations will limit casinos to 50% occupancy upon reopening, and operators must implement social-distancing and stringent cleaning measures, according to The Wall Street Journal. Many of the largest brands on the Strip, such as MGM Resorts, have stated that they plan to reopen their properties in phases, based on demand.
In order to reopen to 50% under Phase Two protocols, resorts must submit individual safety plans to the Gaming Control Board in addition to attaining current safety protocols. Recently, MGM Resorts released its “Seven-Point Safety Plan” that it will follow when states allow properties to reopen. The plan gives us a glimpse at how dramatically different casinos will look once they reopen. For starters, say goodbye to buffet-style meals and crowded card tables and hello to temperature checks and face masks.
Las Vegas hotels are becoming bookable for this summer in hopes of reopening in June. However, the selections are limited at the moment.
For instance, you can book a night at Caesars Palace from $99 a night in June.
© The Points GuyArizona
Glass shields separate players at Gila River Casino at Wild Horse Pass on the packed reopening day. @reviewjournal#OpenAmerica#gaming#casino#coronaviruspic.twitter.com/e8wH2Nhvlo
— Elizabeth P. Brumley (@EliPagePhoto) May 15, 2020
Arizona’s stay-at-home order expired on Friday May 15, and a few casinos reopened that same day including Gila River’s Lone Butte, Vee Quiva, and Wild Horse Pass casinos, Fort McDowell, and Harrah’s Ak-Chin Pavilion. As you can see from the social media post above, new partitions were installed between gambling ‘stations.’ There are lots of rules patrons are supposed to be following including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing though it’s unclear how closely those measures are being enforced. Apparently there were lines and big crowds on opening day.
Arizona casinos open Friday with lines to get in. I have a neighbor that is fully prepared to bring his lawn chair out the night before when Vegas opens, like it’s a Black Friday sale. #Vegashttps://t.co/iPmCt1Bnqa
— Bill Krackomberger (@BillKrackman) May 15, 2020
Atlantic City
Based on a promotional email received by The Points Guy himself, Brian Kelly, Atlantic City is planning to reopen to gamblers this summer.
Many Atlantic City hotels such as the Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean Resort and Harrah’s have opened up bookings starting June 1, 2020. However, the floors will look much different (and emptier) with new guidelines and restrictions. For instance, many restaurants may remain closed and those that are open will likely be operating at significantly reduced capacity. As for shows, no word yet if those will be allowed or if there will be enough demand for them to carry on.
Although some hotels are now bookable starting on June 1, official hard opening dates have not been announced, pending word from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. This means that if you make a reservation now and the hotel has not reopened, your reservation will automatically be canceled and refunded.
In the meantime, hotels are offering reduced rates to draw in guests. For instance, you can book a weeknight stay at many of the properties for as low as $63 throughout the summer.
© The Points GuyWeekend pricing is not quite as low, starting at $168 per night.
© The Points GuyAdditionally, if you’re a member of any of the casino rewards programs, you may be targeted for a special “welcome back” offer like one Brian Kelly received.
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Lake Tahoe
Caesars Entertainment announced that it would begin to open up many of its properties across the U.S. in phases on its Q1 conference call. Lake Tahoe, where two Caesars resorts are located (on the Nevada side), was one of the destinations mentioned on the call.
Nevada entered into a phased reopening it’s calling the “road to recovery,” but the going is slow.
In preparation, casinos and hotels in Lake Tahoe are offering deals to bring in guests. For instance, you can book a night at Harveys Lake Tahoe from $100 a night in mid-June. It’s not clear how much of the property will be reopened by then.
© The Points GuyNearby, the state of California is approaching reopening business by region. Currently, counties in northern California will be among the first in the state to reopen, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom. So if you’re headed to Lake Tahoe, just be aware that not all of the areas on the California side will be open.
Reno
Not too far from Lake Tahoe is Reno, Nevada’s second-largest gambling city.
Nevada has begun phase one of reopening, which includes restaurants, many of which are inside casinos. These restaurants will be allowed to reopen under strict new regulations, but the casino floor will remain closed. When casinos do get the green light, however, occupancy will be reduced by 50% and social-distancing rules will be enforced.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Casinos in Deadwood reopened their doors on May 7 after the City Commission voted to reopen the businesses under new federal, state and local protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to the American Gaming Association’s COVID-19 Casino Tracker, 11 of the 52 casinos open nationwide are in Deadwood. The other 41 are tribal-owned casinos. So far, local sources are reporting that the reopenings have gone well.
“We were about 15% or 20% higher than a typical weekend business, which is significant,” said Caleb Arceneaux, CEO of Liv Hospitality in an interview with CNBC.
Casinos have also reopened in nearby states like Montana.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edward announced on May 11 that Louisiana casinos would be allowed to open their floors on May 15 at a reduced capacity of 25%. Additionally, new regulations will be enforced by the Gaming Control Board including making sanitation stations available around the casinos, requiring face masks and implementing social-distancing rules.
Although casinos have gotten the green light from the governor, Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans will not allow casinos to reopen in her city. In fact, Cantrell will be enforcing stricter rules largely aimed at stopping the reopening of major businesses, like Harrah’s Casino, according to The Times-Picayune.
In other parts of the state, however, casinos are going ahead with reopening plans. For instance, L’Auberge Lake Charles announced that it will reopen on May 18 under new guidelines. Some of the changes guests will notice are lowered capacity, reduced gaming and limited restaurant options.
The Gulf Coast of Mississippi
Casinos in Mississippi planned to reopen on May 21. The Mississippi Gaming Commission sent out new regulations that casinos will be required to follow, which include limiting occupancy by 50% and barring certain events and tournaments, like VIP Poker Rooms.
Additionally, casinos will have to limit the points of entry so that guests can be properly screened before entering. Part of the screening will include a questionnaire and patrons will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer and wear masks while on the property. There will also be a limit on number of players allowed at table games and six-foot distancing must be maintained at slot machines.
Currently, the going rate for a night at Harrah’s Gulf Coast is about $125 a night throughout June.
Which Casinos Are Open
© The Points GuyBottom line
People are eager to get out of the house. The success of reopened casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota, proves that. However, long-term success will depend on guests and casinos continuing to follow new safety protocols.
It will be a much slower reopening for big cities like Las Vegas, but casino owners are working their way toward making it safer for everyone.
Additional reporting by Clint Henderson.
Featured photo by Toms Auzins/robertharding/Getty Images.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
There are more than 1,000 active casinos in the United States of America. These gambling establishments generate high revenue, with an estimated 71.1 billion USD in 2015, and a reported annual growth of 3.1 percent. According to the American Gaming Association, casinos employ more than 500,000 people directly and have a total job impact of 1.7 million inhabitants.
Top Four Casinos
Nevada
The state of Nevada legalized gambling in 1931 and boasts world standard casinos. It has 334 casinos which is more than any other state. 172 of them are located in Clark County, out of which 104 are found in Las Vegas. The city, also known as Sin City, is famous for gambling and is known around the world as a party city. Nevada’s casinos attract tourists from all over the world. Its hotel-casinos generate revenue of about 1.4 billion USD which is approximately 45% of the state’s revenue.
Oklahoma
Since the state approved gaming in 2004, the casino business has exploded. There are currently 134 casinos in the state, ranging from small and quaint casinos to luxurious and spacious casino resorts. The casinos are well distributed across the state, providing thrills of slot machines, poker, blackjack and live entertainment. Oklahoma is home to the Winstar World Casino and Resort which is the largest casino in the US. 40% of casino revenue comes from visitors from the neighboring states like Texas and Arkansas. The casinos generate more than 130 million USD to the state. The state uses this revenue to fund education, mental health services, and state agencies.
Local US Casino Finder (2021) - Find Casinos Near You
California
The state of California has one of the most liberal stances on gambling laws in the US. It allows its counties and cities to regulate their laws regarding bets. Poker and other forms of gambling are included in the state’s list of charitable games. It also has very light penal codes on illegal gambling.
Colorado
Which Casino Is Closest To Me
Colorado has about 40 casinos ranging from intimate parlors to alluring resorts. Black Hawk is the largest gambling town in the state with 18 casinos, followed by the Cripple Creek with 16 casinos. Some of the casinos operate 24 hours a day and the legal gambling age in Colorado is 21 years. The maximum bet in the state’s casinos is 100 USD. Casinos in Colorado generate more than 790 million USD in revenue.
Which Casinos Are Closed Due To Coronavirus
Conclusion
Montgomery
The casino industry has a far-reaching impact on the economy of the states that allow gambling. As the gambling industry flourishes, technology is being incorporated into it as has been seen with the introduction of online casinos.