Las Vegas is known for its world-class casinos, and while the definition of the “best” casino can vary depending on individual preferences, here is a list of some of the most renowned and iconic casinos on the Las Vegas Strip:
The Bellagio:
Known for its luxurious ambiance and iconic fountains, the Bellagio offers a wide range of table games, slots, and a high-stakes poker room. It also houses the famous Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
The Bellagio was opened in 1998 and is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, one of the largest hospitality and entertainment companies in the world.
The Bellagio boasts a vast and luxurious casino floor covering over 155,000 square feet. It offers a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. The poker room at the Bellagio is particularly famous for its high-stakes games and tournaments.
The resort offers a range of entertainment options, including the famous “O” by Cirque du Soleil, which is performed in a custom-built theater with a pool as its centerpiece.
In 2019, the Bellagio was ranked number 31 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
In 2023, the Bellagio was ranked number six on the USA Today’s list of the top 10 best casinos in Las Vegas and it was ranked number two on Men’s Journal’s list of the top 10 best casinos in the U.S.
The Bellagio is considered one of the most upscale and elegant resorts in Las Vegas, known for its attention to detail, impeccable service, and overall luxury. It has played a significant role in establishing Las Vegas as a world-class destination for entertainment, gaming, and fine dining.
The Venetian and The Palazzo:
These two connected resorts offer a Venice-inspired experience with an extensive casino floor, a variety of dining options, and a shopping mall known as the Grand Canal Shoppes.
These properties are owned by Las Vegas Sands Corporation and are known for their Italian-inspired architecture, opulent design, and a wide range of amenities.
Both the Venetian and the Palazzo are designed to replicate the look and feel of Venice, Italy. They feature stunning architecture, complete with canals, gondolas, and replicas of famous Venetian landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
The complex features an expansive gaming floor that covers a combined area of approximately 225,000 square feet. The casinos offer a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker, and a race and sportsbook.
The Venetian and The Palazzo have hosted various entertainment acts, including shows like “BAZ – A Musical Mash-up” and the long-running Blue Man Group.
In 2019, the Palazzo was ranked number six and the Venetian was ranked number 16 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
In 2023, the Venetian was ranked number seven on the USA Today’s list of the top 10 best casinos in Las Vegas and it was ranked number five on Men’s Journal’s list of the top 10 best casinos in the U.S.
These twin resorts are known for their elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, making them popular destinations for leisure travelers, business events, and entertainment.
Caesars Palace:
A legendary casino resort that features a Roman Empire theme, Caesars Palace offers a massive gaming floor, a sportsbook, and a famous poker room. It’s also home to popular nightlife venues like Omnia.
It is one of the most iconic and historic properties in Las Vegas, known for its opulent design, extensive amenities, and a long history of entertaining visitors.
Caesars Palace opened its doors in 1966 and has since become a symbol of luxury and sophistication in Las Vegas. It was initially conceived by the late Jay Sarno, who aimed to create a Roman Empire-themed resort.
The casino at Caesars Palace is vast and features a wide array of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and a high-stakes poker room. The casino floor is designed to provide a grand and luxurious gaming experience.
Caesars Palace is famous for hosting top-tier entertainment acts, including the long-running and iconic “Celine Dion” show, as well as performances by other well-known artists and residencies by famous musicians.
In 2019, Caesars Palace was ranked number 21 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
In 2023, Caesars Palace was ranked number two on the USA Today’s list of the top 10 best casinos in Las Vegas.
Caesars Palace has maintained its status as a Las Vegas icon, drawing visitors with its Roman-themed luxury, world-class entertainment, and comprehensive amenities.
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore:
The Wynn and Encore casinos are known for their elegance and high-end gaming experience. They offer a vast array of table games, slots, and exclusive high-limit rooms. Owned and operated by Wynn Resorts, these resorts are known for their opulence, world-class amenities, and attention to detail.
Wynn Las Vegas opened its doors in 2005 and is named after its founder, Steve Wynn. It quickly became known for its commitment to delivering a high-end and sophisticated Las Vegas experience.
Encore is a sister property to Wynn Las Vegas, located adjacent to it. It opened in 2008 and shares some amenities with Wynn, creating a combined luxury resort complex.
The casino floors at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore cover a combined area of approximately 190,000 square feet. They offer a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker, and high-limit salons.
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have hosted a range of entertainment acts, including resident shows like “Le Rêve – The Dream,” a water-based production show known for its stunning visuals and acrobatics.
In 2019, Wynn was ranked number one and Encore was ranked number two on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
Wynn Las Vegas and Encore are known for providing a refined and upscale Las Vegas experience, emphasizing elegance, entertainment, and world-class amenities.
ARIA Resort & Casino:
ARIA boasts a modern and stylish casino floor with a variety of gaming options. It’s also home to some of Las Vegas’s hottest nightclubs, including Jewel and Liquid Pool Lounge.
It is part of the CityCenter complex, which is one of the largest privately funded construction projects in the United States and offers a contemporary and high-end Las Vegas experience.
ARIA Resort & Casino opened in December 2009 as a part of the CityCenter development, a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Infinity World Development. CityCenter is known for its modern design and sustainability features.
The casino at ARIA spans over 150,000 square feet and offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and an elegant poker room.
ARIA hosts various entertainment options, including the popular Cirque du Soleil production, “Michael Jackson ONE.” The resort also offers live music and nightlife experiences.
In 2019, ARIA was ranked number 22 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
In 2023, ARIA was ranked number 10 on the USA Today’s list of the top 10 best casinos in Las Vegas.
ARIA Resort & Casino is known for its modern and elegant ambiance, advanced technology, and sustainability features.
The Cosmopolitan:
With a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere, the Cosmopolitan offers a diverse casino floor, popular restaurants, and a rooftop pool with stunning views of the Strip.
It stands out for its contemporary design, trendy atmosphere, and a wide range of entertainment and dining options.
The Cosmopolitan opened its doors in December 2010. It is owned and operated by the multinational hospitality and entertainment company, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, LLC.
The casino at the Cosmopolitan covers approximately 110,000 square feet and provides a range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. It offers a more relaxed and modern gaming atmosphere.
The Cosmopolitan is known for its modern, hip, and artistic ambiance, making it a favorite destination for younger and trendier crowds.
In 2019, Caesars Palace was ranked number 20 on Business Insider’s list of the 50 best casinos in America.
In 2023, the Cosmopolitan was ranked number 8 on the USA Today’s list of the top 10 best casinos in Las Vegas.
The Cosmopolitan offers various entertainment experiences, including live music and nightlife venues like Marquee Nightclub, which is one of the top nightlife destinations in Las Vegas.
Mandalay Bay:
In addition to its casino, Mandalay Bay is known for its beach-themed pool area, including a wave pool and a lazy river, making it a popular destination for relaxation and gaming.
Mandalay Bay opened its doors in 1999 and is part of MGM Resorts International, one of the largest hospitality and entertainment companies in the world.
The casino at Mandalay Bay covers a significant area and offers a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker, and a high-limit area.
The resort houses the Shark Reef Aquarium, a popular attraction featuring a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and exotic fish.
Mandalay Bay’s tropical-inspired design and extensive amenities make it a popular choice for visitors seeking a relaxing and entertaining Las Vegas experience.
MGM Grand:
One of the largest resorts on the Strip, MGM Grand features a vast casino, including a spacious race and sportsbook, as well as a wide range of entertainment options.
It is part of MGM Resorts International, a major hospitality and entertainment company. MGM Grand is celebrated for its immense size, a wide range of entertainment options, and extensive amenities.
MGM Grand opened its doors in 1993 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations. It is owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, a prominent player in the Las Vegas hospitality and entertainment industry.
The casino at MGM Grand is expansive, covering more than 170,000 square feet. It offers a wide variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and a high-limit gaming area.
MGM Grand offers a wide array of entertainment options, including headlining shows, concerts, and performances. The resort has hosted popular artists and productions like KÀ by Cirque du Soleil and the David Copperfield magic show.
MGM was ranked number one on Men’s Journal’s list of the top 10 best casinos in the U.S.
MGM Grand’s immense size, extensive amenities, and diverse entertainment options make it a popular choice for visitors seeking a comprehensive Las Vegas experience.
The Mirage:
This iconic casino resort is known for its tropical-themed atmosphere, featuring a massive aquarium and a volcano that erupts nightly. The casino offers a variety of gaming options.
It is celebrated for its tropical-themed design, innovative attractions, and a history of pioneering entertainment in Las Vegas.
The Mirage opened its doors in 1989 and was the brainchild of casino mogul Steve Wynn. At the time, it was a groundbreaking project as it marked the beginning of the transformation of Las Vegas into a more family-friendly destination. The Mirage is now owned and operated by MGM Resorts International.
The casino at The Mirage offers a wide array of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker, and a high-limit gaming area. It provides a classic and stylish gaming environment.
The Mirage is known for its iconic entertainment offerings, including the long-running Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil production, “LOVE.” The resort also features headliner shows and live performances.
One of the most famous attractions at the Mirage is the erupting volcano. Located at the resort’s entrance, it erupts in a fiery spectacle accompanied by music and lights.
The Mirage’s tropical-themed design, iconic volcano, and pioneering entertainment offerings have made it a well-loved and enduring Las Vegas destination.
If you’re curious about the history of casinos in Las Vegas, check out this article on the first casino in Las Vegas.
Sources:
Pasley, James and Angela Wang. “The 50 best casinos in America, according to TripAdvisor reviews.” Business Insider, 25 July, 2019, businessinsider.com/best-casinos-in-the-united-states-2019-7
Mench, Chris. “These Are the 10 Best Casinos in the U.S., According to Gamblers.” Men’s Journal, 5 Sept. 2023, mensjournal.com/news/top-10-us-casinos-gamblers
“Gaming paradise awaits: Top 10 casinos in Las Vegas.” USA Today 10 Best, 8 Sept. 2023, 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-las-vegas-casino-2023/
