Casino neon sign (Photo by Ben Lambert on Unsplash)
Whether you like playing the slots, poker, or relaxing at the spa, a casino trip can be an invigorating experience. America has some of the largest and most exciting gaming floors in the world. If a gambling trip is in your future, we’ve got some of the best casinos in the U.S. for you to consider visiting.
Of course, gambling is a risky business and can have serious consequences. A study by researchers at The University of British Columbia finds a casino’s atmosphere can impact the choices we make when gambling. Specifically, sensory features that capture our attention in a casino might directly affect a player’s thought process and encourage one to make riskier choices, potentially promoting problem gambling. They found that using money imagery and typical slot machine sounds directly influenced individuals’ decisions.
“We found that an individual’s choices were less guided by the odds of winning when the casino-like audiovisual features were present in our laboratory gambling game,” says lead author Mariya Cherkasova, a postdoctoral research fellow at the university, in a release. “Overall, people took more risks when playing the more casino-like games, regardless of the odds.”
Additionally, if you strike out during your visit, a study shows it isn't as hard to tell as you might think. While being out of money or spending too much time at the slot machines can lead anyone to blow some steam, a recent study found that men and women have different telltale signs that they’ve gambled beyond their means. More specifically, men were more apt to showing signs of rage after a tough outing, while women tended to break down emotionally and may even begin to come so undone their hair and makeup becomes noticeably unkempt.
It’s always important to play responsibly. If you’re ready to roll the dice, EdNews took a gamble and compiled a list of the top five casinos in the U.S. from ten expert websites for your next exciting vacation. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Casinos in the U.S., According to Travel Experts
1. Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
Operated by MGM Resorts and arguably the crown jewel of the Las Vegas strip, the Bellagio is a must-visit. “With its iconic water fountain, indoor botanical conservatory, and impressive gambling floor, Las Vegas's Bellagio Resort & Casino is easily one of the best casinos in the United States. It's arguably the most luxe casino on The Strip and will make you feel like a high roller the second you arrive,” according to Yahoo.
Its design theme? Lake Como, Italy. “Not only is the casino and resort one of the largest and most luxurious Las Vegas has to offer, but it was also featured in the hit 2001 heist movie Ocean’s Eleven,” notes Tripping.com.
This resort also features high-end restaurants with stunning views of the fountains outside. “This hotel and casino specially caters to the elite and provide them with a wide range of lavish rooms and the impressive gaming floor. Whether you visit Bellagio to play only a hand or spend your entire time here, it will make you feel as if you are a royal king,” adds Wonderslist.
2. WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma
Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, this 600,000 square-foot gambling wonderland sits an hour north of Dallas, Texas. Featuring 7,000 gaming machines and nearly 100 table games, it’s the biggest casino in the United States. Gambling.com points out, there’s “four gaming ‘plazas’ depending on your mood, designed with the sights and sounds of New York, Paris, Beijing and Rio.”
It’s also known for its spas and golf courses. “Aside from the relaxation amenities, WinStar also boasts of a whopping 17 restaurants. The resort is a popular attraction to top entertainers, thanks to its Global Event Center that seats 3,500. It also has a 7,700-seater Colosseum that looks and feels magnificent to first-time visitors,” according to Mindful Travel Experiences.
Focus on Travel News calls WinStar, “one of the biggest casino and entertainment hubs in the whole world. The casino offers lots of slot machines, numerous table and bingo games. The resort also hosts several events and competitions.”
3. Foxwoods Casino & Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut
Owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods, “offers 4,500 slot machines–ranging from penny games to $100 minimums–as well as 300 table games, high stakes Bingo at one of the world's largest Bingo halls, a race book with 50-foot digital projection screens and the largest poker room on the East Coast,” according to USA TODAY 10Best.
“The resort also features two golf courses, about 40 restaurants, and live entertainment,” notes Best Life. If you live in Boston, you can be at Foxwoods in under 2 hours, by car.
Plus, if you're interested in learning more about the Pequot tribe during your visit, you'll find “one of the largest Native American museums in the world a little ways down the road from the casino. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is sure to impress, and may instill a better understanding of the area and the casino neaby,” adds Tripping.com.
4. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi
Another MGM Resorts property located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this casino “has 110 table games and 1,800 gaming machines. It's the tallest building in Mississippi, and has 1,780 rooms with 95 luxury suites,” points out Insider. “The 3.2 million-square-foot hotel, the largest in the Southeast to receive the AAA Four Diamond award, boasts an 85,000-square-foot casino,” adds USA TODAY 10Best.
VacationIdea.com notes, “visitors can find all the most state of the art gaming systems, with almost two thousand slot machines, table games ranging from baccarat to craps, a poker room, and a special lounge for high limit gaming.” One drawback? This resort doesn’t have direct beach access.
5. Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut
Owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribe, the resort features “1,563 hotel rooms, 45 restaurants and bars, and a 300,000-square-foot space for gaming,” adds Insider. Plus, there’s “a 130,000-square-foot shopping area,” according to Gambling.com.
The property boasts two unique casinos to elevate your gaming experience. “It offers everything you need in an excellent resort ranging from a vast collection of slots, poker rooms, and table games to top-notch restaurants,” suggests Focus on Travel News. An added bonus? Mohegan Sun is just a 15-minute drive from Foxwoods Casino & Resort, making it easy to visit both if you wish.
Honorable Mention: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey
I couldn’t end this article without mentioning Borgata. I’ve been to this casino several times and enjoy the floor’s easy layout and gaming variety. “Borgata is an especially popular casino among those who prefer to gamble via poker. The gambling floor features an impressive poker room with 80+ tables and daily tournaments for players across a spectrum of buy-ins,” notes Best Life.
Borgata is also part of MGM Resorts. “The casino features over 3,000 gaming machines, attractive decor, and a modern spa,” according to Focus on Travel News. There’s excellent restaurants and a beer garden too. In addition, Borgata’s Event Center is a great place to see a show.”
“The best part about Atlantic City as a gambling destination is that it’s right on the famous Boardwalk, just steps away from the ocean,” adds Tripping.com. Borgata is not directly on the main boardwalk, but it’s easy to get there by shuttle bus.
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Sources:
- Yahoo
- Tripping.com
- Wonderslist
- Gambling.com
- Mindful Travel Experiences
- Focus on Travel News
- USA TODAY 10Best
- Best Life
- Insider
- VacationIdea.com
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
I love the Bellagio. It is so classy and the rooms are wonderful.
I went there with my neighbor’s wife and the food was great, the service was impressive.
Plus, unlike a lot it the other strip hotels it is large enough with plenty of restaurants and a very large pool so you can have fun and stay out of the spotlight.
Please update your information about Winstar Casino. It's the casino I frequent. Your information about the Global Center is outdated. Hasn't been in use since before COVID and it was turned into a new gambling area last year. The new live event area is called Lucas Oil Live and is opening October 2023.
Thank your for being honest and not putting Choctaw Casinos on this list...The top 5 casinos are operated by quality people who run the casino equal to every person....I have seen Choctaw call ” RANDOM DRAWINGS WIWINNERS” at home..asking if they was going to casino ....then they win 10,000 THAT'S NOT RANDOM...IF THEY DON'T LIKE YOU !! YOU WILL NOT WIN!!!
DO NOT GO TO CHOCTAW CASINOs.....CHEEP MANAGEMENT THIS PLACE... SETS MACHINES TO PAY ONLY MINI JACKPOTS....SOME JACKPOTS NEVER CHANGE AND NEVER EVER WIN THE JACKPOTS...IF U WIN A MAJOR IT WAS A MISTAKE
Bellagio, is one of the tightest Casinos I have ever been too. I didn't hear the sounds of laughter or any excitement in the air. I have been to most of them, and Bellagio is nothing but a stage designed to steal your money...The payouts are horrible...The penny machines are set to make you bet the most to get in on the game features. You can expect to flip through a hundred in 8 minutes max, with no return what so ever...
I've been to half of these. I can tell you this list is horrible. Never go to winstar unless you want to throw your money away. I wouldn't trust this list at all.