When you imagine playing casino games, what city comes to mind? If you’re thinking of Las Vegas, you wouldn’t be alone. In terms of casino gaming, this Nevada city is world-famous for its long Strip. The Strip is home to some of the largest and most luxurious casino-resorts in the world.
Though it’s smaller than China’s Macau, it’s still larger-than-life in terms of all-out entertainment. And it remains one of the most popular North American travel destinations for domestic and international tourists. But it’s not the end-all of casino gaming.
In fact, most people today prefer virtual platforms for playing blackjack, roulette, slots, and more. Not only are they more accessible and include more bonuses for players, but they’re available in more places. For example, you can easily find a list of casinos in West Virginia and other states just by searching online.
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But what about brick-and-mortar establishments? If you want to play live, you’ll have options available depending on the region you live in. We’re counting down the most memorable casino experiences around the US, including but not limited to Las Vegas locations.
Mohegan Sun (Connecticut)
The Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the US—even if it flies under the radar for many. This Uncasville staple is located in Mohegan territory, which also offers a sportsbook with extensive markets.
It’s even home to the Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun franchise. It’s been a staple for locals and tourists for years thanks to its modern facilities and varied activities.
The Bellagio (Las Vegas)
Most people can list off a few things about the Bellagio. First is its magnificent lights display, a free show for anyone passing on the Strip. The second is its association with the Ocean’s 11 franchise. But it’s also home to a world-class casino—one that’s absolutely worth a visit regardless of whether you want to game or not.
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The Bellagio is also home to multiple prestigious works of art from stars like Picasso and Dale Chihuly. Just like The Venetian (below), you can find fine dining and luxury shopping options inside.
The Venetian (Las Vegas)
The Bellagio takes after an Italian village near Lake Como, while the Venetian is based on the winding canals and romantic architecture of Venice. It’s sometimes billed as the world’s second-largest hotel (depending on whether you count all of its complexes), which showcases just how vast the grounds are.
Along with actual canals, it’s played home to Guggenheim Museum exhibitions, the Blue Man Group performance, and, more recently, its proximity to the Sphere. These features, along with its vast casino floor, make it a crown jewel in US casinos.
Gila River Resorts & Casino (Phoenix)
Gila River Resorts & Casino is a hugely popular destination for Phoenix and Arizona locals. The location offers plenty to do in terms of gaming, as its casino floor is massive. In fact, it’s separated into four distinct areas based on the type of games and overall atmosphere—that’s something that’s not quite on offer elsewhere.
As a resort, Gila River goes above and beyond to offer exclusive nightlife experiences and daytime parties. That makes it a great choice for people who aren’t quite as interested in baccarat or slots. However, it’s not quite as famous as the Talking Stick Resort (below).
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Talking Stick Resort (Scottsdale)
Nearby in Scottsdale, you can find the Talking Stick Resort and Casino. Similar to the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, the Talking Stick Resort is a tribally run destination. It’s been open since 2010 and is considered one of the premier gaming destinations in the Southwest.
Just like Gila River, the resort seeks to attract visitors with entertainers and headline concerts, as there’s a large outdoor arena. The party organizer RELEASE has hosted some world-class electronic shows, as well, including stars like Skrillex and Steve Aoki.
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