The Best Casinos in Las Vegas
Sometimes an itch needs to be scratched. For that reason, millions of people visit Las Vegas, Nevada to take in the sights, sounds, rest and relaxation Sin City has to offer. For others, the number one reason they scream “Vegas, baby!” is because they’re eager to hit the big jackpot. Our guide to the best casinos in Las Vegas highlights the most popular resorts, casinos, attractions, and takes a trip down Fremont Street’s memory lane.
Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos
While the phrase “most famous casinos in Vegas” gets tossed around often and is purely subjective, chances are these five hotel resorts on the Sin City strip are among most travelers’ top picks thanks to their spread of Vegas games and entertainment options.
Bellagio
Known for its famous water fountain musicals, the Bellagio opened in 1998. With nearly 4,000 rooms and 156,000-foot casino floor that features 2,300 slot machines and 135 tables games, it remains a must-see resort on the Vegas strip.
Venetian
Sticking with Vegas’ Italian theme, The Venetian opened in 1999 and actually includes its own grand canal that offers gondola rides to interested parties. The casino floor takes up 120,000 square feet and features 1,800+ slot games and 225+ tables games.
Aria Hotel and Casino
Caesar’s Palace
Always a popular destination for Vegas tourists since opening back in 1966, the Palace earned a street-cred bump after the cast of the original “Hangover” movie stayed in the penthouse suite and Alan uttered the famous line, “This isn’t the real Caesar’s Palace … Did, umm… did Caesar live here?” One of the most coveted attractions is Caesar’s Bacchanal Buffet where hungry patrons can stuff themselves on world class cuisine. The gaming floor extends over 124,000 feet with more than 1,300 slots and 185 tables games.
Aria
One of the younger casino resorts, Aria opened back in 2009 as part of MGM’s family of Vegas casino properties. It offers more than 4,000 rooms with well over 500 suites to book. In another to a race and sportsbook, Aria features 2,000 slots and nearly 150 table games.
MGM Grand
The MGM Grand boasts the largest hotel in the United States and third-largest in the world with 6,852 rooms. It originally opened back in December of 1993 and is home to residencies by magician David Copperfield and dance crew, Jabbawockeez. More than 1,700 slots and nearly 160 table games are up for grabs on the casino floor’s 171,500 feet gaming landscape.
Popular Las Vegas Casino Games
Las Vegas Craps
Las Vegas Mississippi Stud
Las Vegas Casino War
Las Vegas Baccarat
What’s the Best Casino in Las Vegas?
Here’s a quick-hit directory of Las Vegas casinos to find the address and website of the best Sin City spots in addition to how many slot and table games each casino floor offers (if available):
| Las Vegas Casino | Address | Website | # of Slots | # of Table Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aria | 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89158 | https://aria.mgmresorts.com/en.html | ~2,000 | 145 |
| Bally’s | 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.caesars.com/ballys-las-vegas | 1,200+ | 65+ |
| Bellagio | 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://bellagio.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 2,300 | ~135 |
| Caesars Palace | 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace | 1,300+ | 185 |
| Circus Circus | 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.circuscircus.com/ | ~1,500 | ~90 |
| Excalibur | 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://excalibur.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 1,200+ | 80+ |
| Flamingo | 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas | 1,600+ | 75+ |
| Harrah’s | 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.caesars.com/harrahs | 900+ | 80+ |
| Luxor | 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 | https://luxor.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 1,100 | 85+ |
| Mandalay Bay | 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 | https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 1,200+ | 130+ |
| MGM Grand | 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 1,700+ | ~160 |
| Mirage | 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://mirage.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 2,300 | 135 |
| Park | 3770 Las Vegas Blvd S · Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://parkmgm.mgmresorts.com/en.html | ~1,400 | 60 |
| New York-New York | 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com/en.html | 900+ | ~50 |
| Paris Las Vegas | 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas | 1,700+ | 130 |
| Rio | 3700 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103 | https://www.caesars.com/rio-las-vegas | 1,000+ | 80+ |
| Treasure Island | 3300 Las Vegas BLVD S Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://treasureisland.com/ | 1,800+ | 150+ |
| Venetian | 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.venetianlasvegas.com/ | 1,800+ | 225+ |
| Westgate Las Vegas | 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/ | ~1,400 | 30+ |
| Wynn Las Vegas | 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109 | https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/ | 1,800+ | 165+ |
Vegas Casino Attractions
Bellagio Fountains
Without question, a hallmark stop for any Las Vegas casino tourist, the $40-million Bellagio fountains took three years to build and opened along with the hotel back in 1998. Its 1,214 nozzles and 4,792 lights are set to music each night where audiences can enjoy a free performance regardless of if they are staying at the Bellagio or not.
The fountains have appeared in a number of movies including Ocean’s Eleven as a musical interlude near the conclusion of the film. The 2022 NFL Draft actually used the lake that surrounds the Bellagio fountains to set up a stage and dais to announce picks throughout the annual event.
Cirque du Soleil
One of Vegas’ longest-running entertainment performances, Cirque du Soleil is a sight to see if you’ve never been to a show. In 2024, the aerial acrobatics and dramatic musical scores company is offering six unique shows:
- KA at MGM Grand – epic duals and 360-degree stage
- O at the Bellagio – celebrating the elegance of water’s pure form
- Mystere at Treasure Island – high-energy dance and acrobatics
- Michael Jackson’s ONE at Mandalay Bay – a virtual parade that celebrates Jackson’s musical catalog
- Mad Apple at New York, New York – comedy and magic in the City that Never Sleeps
- The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage – labeled a psychedelic spectacle for audiences of all ages
Famous Las Vegas Buffets
All that sitting by the pool and gambling at the slot machines and blackjack table can work up an appetite. That’s why the top casinos in Las Vegas offer their customers buffet options that range from up-scale, high-priced quality cuisine to those balling on a budget who aren’t looking to break the bank on their meals each day. The good news is that if you are gambling, some casino operators will comp your buffet meal tickets. So, you can dine like a king and queen for free on the house!
Old Las Vegas History
Fremont Street – Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas was founded in 1905, but it wasn’t until 1931 that gambling was legalized and Fremont Street became the original strip with the city’s first paved road, traffic light and vast array of hotels and casinos to come.
Thanks to the construction of the Hoover Dam, thousands of new residents helped what is now considered old Las Vegas grow. The dam provided huge amounts of electricity that powered the fluorescent and neon lights that helped Fremont Street become famous.
Some of the earliest Las Vegas casinos found on Fremont Street include:
- Golden Nugget
- Hotel Apache
- Monte Carlo
- Boulder Club
- Pioneer Club
The Pioneer Club was also home to the famous Vegas Vic neon sign. Since the Pioneer Club no longer exists, Vic has found a new home in Circa.
Although the Las Vegas Strip has replaced Fremont Street as “the place to see and be seen,” Sin City’s trailblazer for glitz and gambling still does possess a mystique that draws in millions of guests each year. In addition to the old Vegas feel, there are street acts, a zip line and – according to some studies – better RTP (return to player) percentage on slots and coveted $5 blackjack tables.
Las Vegas Casinos FAQ
What are the most popular Las Vegas casinos?
Depends how you define “most popular,” but typically the top five Las Vegas hotels, in no particular order, are Bellagio, The Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, Aria and MGM Grand.
Which Las Vegas casino has the loosest slots?
Circus Circus reportedly offers a 97.4% RTP (return to player) rate, which means it is among the best Vegas casinos for loose slots. Research has also indicated that Las Vegas casinos “off the strip” slot machines provide a better return on wager.
Do I have to pay taxes on Las Vegas casino winnings?
Yes, if you are fortunate enough to win a big jackpot valued over $1,200, the Las Vegas casino will make you fill out a W2-G tax form to disclose all your winnings. However, if you are an active gambler, you may deduct losses if you keep crystal clear records of your gambling activity.
Can you bet on politics in Las Vegas casinos?
Gambling on politics is not legal in Las Vegas, but the best online casinos we recommend at the top of this page offer odds to win the 2022 midterm elections and 2024 US presidential election.
What is the best sportsbook in Las Vegas?
The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook is often considered the best sportsbook in Sin City with its huge video screens and annual sports betting competitions.
