The Top 10 Best Gambling Vacation Destinations Outside Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world. And although hundreds of thousands of people will visit Sin City every year on a gambling vacation, other places have fabulous casino resorts as well.
Whether you’re looking for a low-key place, one that’s closer to your home, or you simply want to try another gambling spot, there are many options for you.
1. Reno, Nevada
Harrah’s Entertainment originated in Reno. There was a time when Reno was a more popular destination than Las Vegas. Well, the times have changed, but if you want to gamble minus the large crowds, Reno is the place for you.
The “Biggest Little City in the World” has luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, and first-class entertainment. Year-round outdoor activities like kayaking during the summer and skiing in winter make Reno one of the best gambling vacation destinations in the US.
2. Atlantic City, New Jersey
This list of 10 gambling vacation destinations would not be complete without Atlantic City in New Jersey. It may no longer be what it was during its heyday, but the Las Vegas of the East still has some great gambling places.
The Borgata Hotel Casino, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic, and Caesars Atlantic City are among the remaining casinos. Aside from gambling, travelers can enjoy the boardwalk, go shopping, or feast at amazing restaurants.
3. Niagara Falls
You can choose to gamble on either side of the border, as there are casinos on both sides of the falls. However, you need to be at least 19 years of age to gamble in New York. The Canadian side has more entertainment value with theaters and shows, plus it has more hotel and restaurant options.
When you’re not gambling, don’t forget to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist before walking up Clifton Hill to do your shopping.
4. Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi is another city that catches my attention. Known as the Playground of the South, Biloxi has several resort casinos that offer more than just gambling on site. These resorts have golf courses, buffets, upscale restaurants, and five-star entertainment.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, and Tunica are among the best gambling vacation destinations in the area.
5. Mashantucket and Uncasville, Connecticut
The Mohegan Sun has world-class gaming options and exhilarating nightlife. If you want more than gambling, you can go to the Foxwoods Resort Casino which is minutes away from the largest Native American museum in the world.
The coastal town of Mystic became famous because of the 1998 movie Mystic Pizza but it’s also worth visiting because of its beautiful waterfront, scenery, and historic homes.
6. Shreveport, Louisiana
The Harrah’s Louisiana Downs not only offers casino gambling but it’s also the home of the Super Derby, one of the premier horse races for three-year-old horses in North America. With 130 days of live races every year, it’s nirvana for horse racing fans.
You can also try the riverboat casinos along the Red River if you want to take your gambling experience to another level.
7. Verona, New York
There are so many things to do in Verona aside from gambling. Because it’s near Syracuse, you can shop at the six-story mall Destiny USA. The 3,400-acre Turning Stone Resort Casino is one of the best gambling vacation destinations in New York.
The resort has fine dining options as well as a unique food hall with unique choices. Aside from casinos, sports fans can also hit the ultimate sportsbook at the Lounge with Caesars Sports.
8. Saratoga Springs, New York
The Saratoga Casino Hotel offers the best in gaming, dining, and entertainment in historic Saratoga Springs. While dining near the gaming floor at Lucky Joe’s, you can also watch live horse races from the Saratoga Harness Track.
If you’re lucky to have some money left in this gambling vacation destination, you can take a short drive to Lake Placid, Lake George, or any of the Adirondack Mountains.
9. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe sits on the state line between Nevada and California, but when it comes to casino activities, they’re all on the Nevada side. Lake Tahoe is popular as an outdoor destination but that doesn’t mean it’s not an ideal gambling vacation destination.
At Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, you can gamble all day and rest in a suite that provides spectacular lake and mountain views.
10. Tampa, Florida
With more people choosing to retire in Florida, the gambling business has expanded there. There are currently six casinos owned by the Seminole tribe and one owned by the Miccosukee tribe.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is the largest in Florida and it has popular restaurants to dine in and plenty of shops to keep you busy. Because it has a 24-hour casino, it’s easy to throttle between gambling and going to the best beaches in the world.