Nevada Casinos - Best Gambling Locations in NV

Nevada, the Silver State, stands out as a beacon for gamblers and casino enthusiasts worldwide. While US gambling laws by state vary considerably, Nevada has firmly held its position as the epicenter of land-based casino gambling in the country.

Since its legalization in 1931, the state has been synonymous with luxurious casino resorts, spellbinding entertainment, and unmatched gambling experiences. Moreover, the stipulations surrounding the gambling age by state have also seen Nevada set the bar, allowing patrons who are 21 and older to partake in the thrills of casino gaming. Let’s dive deep into the heart of Nevada’s famed brick-and-mortar casinos, tracing their journey and impact on the global casino landscape.

Best NV Land-based Casinos

Wynn Casino

Located on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, Wynn Casino stands as a testament to luxury and grandeur. Opening its doors in 2005, this opulent establishment was envisioned by the esteemed Steve Wynn. 

Spanning a vast area, the casino floor is a haven for gamblers with a diverse array of gaming options. Players can indulge in everything from classic table games like blackjack and roulette to an extensive variety of slot machines. High rollers frequent the casino for its baccarat tables, while poker aficionados appreciate the range of popular poker games on offer.

Beyond the gaming arena, Wynn Casino also boasts an array of other world-class facilities. Guests can revel in fine dining experiences, luxury retail stores, mesmerizing shows, and a serene golf course. However, like all establishments, the Wynn isn’t exempt from criticism. 

Some patrons have raised complaints about the high prices associated with amenities and dining within the resort. While the casino does feature a card room and sportsbook, the focus remains firmly on the core casino gaming experience, ensuring that enthusiasts always find the thrill they seek.

Virgin River Casino

Situated in the picturesque town of Mesquite, Nevada, the Virgin River Casino is a prominent attraction for locals and tourists alike. Since its grand opening in 1990, this casino has become an integral part of Mesquite’s entertainment landscape. The spacious gaming floor offers patrons a diverse blend of gaming options. 

From a myriad of slot machines to table games like blackjack and roulette, there’s something for every kind of gamer. One of the standout attractions is the craps tables, always bustling with energy and drawing in those eager for a roll of the dice.

Beyond the electric atmosphere of the gaming floor, Virgin River Casino extends its hospitality to a range of other amenities. It houses a bowling alley, live music venues, and multiple dining establishments, ensuring a comprehensive entertainment experience for its visitors. 

Some visitors have pointed out that the casino’s interior, while comfortable, could benefit from modern renovations to match the evolving standards of casino aesthetics. While Virgin River does dabble in sportsbook offerings, its primary focus remains steadfastly on delivering a genuine casino experience to its patrons.

The Venetian Las Vegas

An architectural marvel on the renowned Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian Casino exudes the grandeur and romance of Venice, Italy. Since its inception in 1999, this iconic resort has been turning heads with its distinctive Italian-themed design and opulent interiors. 

Spanning over 120,000 square feet, the casino’s expansive floor is a gambler’s paradise. It boasts a broad array of gaming options, including a myriad of slot machines, and popular table games such as blackjack, roulette, and pai gow. The Venetian is also known for its high-stakes poker tables, drawing poker enthusiasts from around the globe.

But The Venetian isn’t just about gambling. The resort offers a mesmerizing experience with its gondola rides, world-class dining establishments, luxurious spa, and high-end shopping boutiques, truly replicating the Venetian experience. 

However, it’s not without its critiques. Some guests feel that, given its size and popularity, the casino can sometimes feel crowded, especially during peak seasons. And while The Venetian offers both a card room and a sportsbook, its primary allure remains the unparalleled atmosphere and sheer luxury that encapsulates the essence of Venice.

SunCoast Casino

Nestled in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas, SunCoast Casino serves as a local favorite, catering to both residents and tourists looking for an escape from the bustling Strip. Opened to the public in 2000, the casino covers an impressive 95,000 square feet of gaming space. 

Within this expanse, players can discover a vast array of gaming options. Slot enthusiasts have a plethora of machines to choose from, while table game aficionados can revel in classics like blackjack, roulette, and craps. One of its crowd-pleasers is the bingo hall, which regularly sees a dedicated group of players eagerly awaiting their next game.

Beyond the allure of its gaming offerings, Sun Coast boasts a multiplex movie theater, bowling alley, and a variety of dining establishments, ensuring guests have a multitude of entertainment options. 

However, like any establishment, it’s not without its imperfections. Common feedback from some patrons centers around the casino’s smoking areas, which they feel could be better ventilated. While Sun Coast does provide options for sports enthusiasts with a sportsbook, its essence is deeply rooted in delivering a comprehensive and slightly off-Strip casino experience.

Western Village Casino

Found in the vibrant city of Sparks, just a stone’s throw from Reno, Western Village Casino has long been an attraction for those seeking gaming and entertainment in northern Nevada. Established in the early 1980s, this venue provides a more intimate casino experience with its 37,000-square-foot gaming floor. 

Players can find an extensive array of slot machines catering to both traditional reel fans and those seeking modern video slots. Table games like blackjack and roulette remain ever-popular choices, consistently drawing in both newcomers and seasoned players.

Beyond the gaming realm, Western Village ensures that its guests are treated to a well-rounded experience. The casino offers a selection of dining options ranging from casual eats to more upscale dining. A picturesque marina nearby amplifies the charm of the location. 

Some visitors have mentioned that the establishment feels slightly dated in its decor and could benefit from a modern facelift. While Western Village does have provisions for sports betting enthusiasts with a sportsbook, its primary emphasis remains on providing a genuine and classic casino atmosphere for its loyal patrons.

B&M Casinos in Nevada

Nevada, the epicenter of American gambling, is home to 433 distinct land-based casinos, each offering its own blend of gaming, entertainment, and culture.

Here are the top 50 Nevada land-based casinos and where you can find them:

Biggest Nevada Casinos

Nevada, and particularly Las Vegas, has long been synonymous with grandiose casinos and gaming establishments. Size often equates to the variety of gaming options, accommodations, entertainment, and dining available to visitors. The battle for floor space is not just about slot machines and poker tables; it’s about offering a comprehensive entertainment experience.

The biggest casinos in Nevada go beyond mere gaming rooms. They encapsulate hotels, theaters, shopping malls, and even art galleries. The expansive square footage allows these establishments to provide an immersive experience, from world-class performances to luxury dining, all under one roof. The sheer magnitude of these establishments, sometimes spanning equivalent to several football fields, is a testament to Nevada’s commitment to leading the global gaming and entertainment industry.

Below is a table capturing some of the largest casinos by size in Nevada.

NV Casinos with Most Games

In the world of gambling, Nevada stands as a titan. Not only is the state renowned for its sprawling land-based casinos, but it’s also becoming a hub for the best online casinos for real money. Size alone doesn’t always determine the gaming options available. Whether brick-and-mortar or online, the number of games a casino offers — from slot machines to table games to specialty options — can significantly influence its appeal to gamblers.

The variety in both land-based and online casinos reflects not just the quantity but the diversity of gaming experiences available, catering to the tastes of both slot lovers and strategic card game aficionados.

Casinos with vast gaming options ensure that visitors never experience a dull moment. Whether a player is looking to try their luck at the latest themed slot machine, join a high-stakes poker game, or explore games like baccarat, pai gow, or sic bo, having numerous choices makes all the difference. Moreover, a greater number of games often means more modern and advanced gaming machines, innovative game variations, better online interfaces, and higher jackpot opportunities.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the casinos in Nevada known for having a significant count of games:

Nevada Casinos with Hotels

Nevada’s allure as a global gaming destination is bolstered by its ability to offer luxurious accommodations right alongside the gaming floor. Casinos with large hotels not only serve the functional purpose of housing their guests but also epitomize the opulence and grandeur associated with the state’s gambling scene. The seamless blend of gaming and stay amplifies the holistic Las Vegas experience where visitors can enjoy top-tier entertainment, fine dining, shopping, and relaxation, all without ever needing to step outside the casino resort.

Big hotel-casinos cater to diverse clientele – from the high roller looking for a penthouse suite to families seeking mid-range rooms. The sheer number of rooms these establishments offer is often a testament to their popularity and their capability to handle large events, conferences, and conventions. Furthermore, larger hotels often come with a variety of room types, views, and amenities, ensuring that every guest finds something tailored to their preference.

Here’s a list of some of the prominent casinos in Nevada known for their expansive hotel facilities:

Casino Games in Nevada

The glittering casinos of Nevada, especially in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas, not only offer a vast array of land-based games but also have expanded into the digital realm with the best real money casino apps and best live dealer casinos. From traditional slot machines that ring with the classic sound of coins to sophisticated table games and immersive online experiences, there’s something for every type of gambler.

Slots

Slot machines have been a staple in casinos since their inception. They are perhaps the most iconic and immediately recognizable casino game. Offering a mix of simplicity, fun, and the chance for a big payoff, slots remain hugely popular.

Examples:

• Classic 3-reel slots
• Video slots
• Progressive jackpot slots
• Themed slots (movies, celebrities, etc.)

Casino Poker

Casino poker variants pit players against the house instead of each other. These games blend traditional poker hands and strategies with casino-style betting.

Examples:

• Three Card Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• Pai Gow Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker

Roulette

The spinning wheel of roulette is symbolic of casino gaming itself. Players bet on where they think the ball will land, with various betting options offering different odds.

Examples:

• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• Double Ball Roulette
• Multi-wheel Roulette

Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a game of skill and chance where players aim to have a hand value closest to 21 without going over, while also beating the dealer’s hand.

Examples:

• Classic Blackjack
• Double Exposure Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• Spanish 21

Dice Games

Dice games in casinos revolve around predicting the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls, providing exhilarating moments of tension and release.

Examples:

• Craps
• Sic Bo
• Sharp Shooter
• Hot Dice

Other Games

Beyond the classics, casinos in Nevada offer a plethora of other games that provide unique gaming experiences.

Examples:

• Baccarat
• Big Six Wheel
• Keno
• Bingo

As a reminder, Nevada’s casinos always encourage responsible gambling. The fun and excitement of the games are best enjoyed when players are aware of their limits and make informed decisions.

Riverboat Casinos in Nevada

Riverboat casinos are a notable part of American gambling history, primarily associated with states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri. Contrary to popular belief, Nevada, home to the famed Las Vegas Strip, does not have riverboat casinos as a part of its gaming landscape. The state’s arid conditions and lack of navigable rivers never made it a viable option. Instead, Nevada focused its efforts on land-based casinos, which have since become a global attraction.

Online Gambling in Nevada

• Nevada gambling laws
• Nevada online casinos
• Nevada online sportsbooks
• Nevada poker sites

Indian Gaming Tribes in Nevada

Nevada, with its iconic Las Vegas Strip, may be best known for its grand commercial casinos. However, the state also has a rich history with Indian casinos, brought about by the various Native American tribes that reside within its borders. The legacy of Indian gaming in Nevada is intertwined with the broader narrative of tribal sovereignty and the quest for economic self-sufficiency.

The journey of Indian casinos in the U.S. began in earnest with the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988. The Act was a response to tribal efforts to establish gaming on their reservations as a means of economic development. IGRA set the legal framework that governs Indian gaming, allowing tribes to operate casinos as long as the state they’re located in also permits such gaming.

In Nevada, where gambling had long been an established industry, Indian tribes saw an opportunity to tap into the existing market and diversify their economic base. Over the years, several tribes negotiated compacts with the state, allowing them to offer the same array of games found in commercial casinos.

Here’s a bullet list of the gaming tribes operating Indian casinos in Nevada:

• Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California
• Moapa Band of Paiute Indians
• Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians
• Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
• Duckwater Shoshone Tribe
• Yomba Shoshone Tribe

These tribes, with their Indian casinos, have not only boosted their economies but have also played an integral role in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.

Closed Nevada Casinos

• Stardust Resort and Casino
• Riviera Hotel and Casino
• Desert Inn
• The Dunes
• The Sands Hotel and Casino
• Frontier Hotel and Casino
• Showboat Las Vegas
• Castaways Hotel and Casino
• Silver Slipper Casino
• Boardwalk Hotel and Casino
• The Landmark Hotel and Casino
• El Rancho Vegas
• The Western
• Moulin Rouge Hotel
• The Mint Las Vegas
• New Frontier Hotel and Casino
• Silver City Casino
• Westward Ho Hotel and Casino
• Bourbon Street Hotel and Casino
• Debbie Reynolds’ Hollywood Hotel
• The Holy Cow Casino and Brewery
• Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino
• The Money Tree Casino
• Ambassador Casino
• The Paddlewheel Hotel & Casino

This list is by no means exhaustive and reflects some of the more notable closures over the years. Many of these casinos, while closed, played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of Nevada’s gaming landscape.

Gambling Taxes in Nevada

Nevada, being a gambling hub, has specific taxation regulations related to gambling winnings. Understanding these rules is vital for anyone engaging in gambling within the state. Here’s a detailed guide on gambling taxes in Nevada, particularly focusing on taxes paid by players on their potential winnings.

Federal Taxes on Gambling Winnings:

First and foremost, regardless of the state you’re in, gambling winnings are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

1. All Gambling Winnings are Taxable: Any money you win, whether from casinos, lotteries, raffles, or even bingo, is considered taxable income. This includes non-cash prizes like cars or vacations.
2. Form W-2G: If your winnings are above a certain threshold, the payer (e.g., the casino) is required to provide you with a W-2G form, detailing the amount you won and the taxes withheld if any. This form is also sent to the IRS. Not all winnings warrant a W-2G, but it’s your responsibility to report all winnings, irrespective of whether you receive this form.
3. Tax Withholding: If you win a substantial amount, the payer might withhold federal income taxes at a flat rate. As of my last update in 2021, that rate is 24%. Remember, this doesn’t necessarily cover your entire tax obligation on the winning amount. Depending on your other income and deductions, you could owe more or be entitled to a refund when you file your tax returns.

State Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Nevada:

Here’s some good news for gamblers in Nevada. Nevada does not have a state income tax. Hence, while you’re still obligated to pay federal taxes on gambling winnings, you won’t have to worry about state taxes on those winnings if you are a resident of Nevada or earned your winnings there.

Reporting and Paying Taxes:

1. Report on Form 1040: All gambling winnings should be reported as “Other Income” on line 21 of Form 1040. This includes both cash and the fair market value of any non-cash prizes you might win.
2. Deducting Gambling Losses: You can deduct your gambling losses, but there’s a catch. You can only deduct up to the amount that you won. In other words, you can’t claim a loss for more than you won. These losses are itemized on Schedule A of Form 1040. Remember, you must have adequate documentation (like receipts, tickets, or statements) to prove your losses if ever audited.
3. Professional Gamblers: If you’re considered a professional gambler, the rules change slightly. You’d report income and losses from gambling on Schedule C. It’s crucial to consult with a tax professional if you believe this applies to you.
4. Non-resident Alien: If you’re a non-resident alien visiting Nevada and you win big, there may be tax withholding. The rate and circumstances can vary, and you might be eligible for a treaty benefit.
5. Payment: You can make tax payments quarterly to the IRS using Form 1040-ES if you expect to owe more than a certain amount.

While gambling in Nevada can be exciting and potentially profitable, it’s crucial to be aware of the tax implications of your winnings. Always keep thorough records of both winnings and losses and consider seeking guidance from a tax professional to ensure compliance with all tax obligations.

FAQs

When was casino gambling legalized in Nevada?

Casino gambling was legalized in Nevada on March 19, 1931.

What is the legal gambling age in Nevada?

The legal gambling age in Nevada is 21 years old for all forms of gambling.

Can you smoke in Nevada casinos?

Yes, smoking is generally allowed in Nevada casinos, though many offer designated non-smoking areas or floors. Some local jurisdictions and individual properties may have stricter rules.

Are there horse racing/off-track betting locations in Nevada?

Yes, while Nevada doesn’t have active horse racing tracks, numerous casinos offer off-track betting facilities where you can bet on horse races from around the country.

Are there dog racing/off-track betting locations in Nevada?

Dog racing is not offered in Nevada, and off-track betting locations in the state do not accept wagers on dog races.

Is charitable gaming offered in Nevada?

Yes, charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, is permitted in Nevada under specific conditions and regulations.

Are there other legal restrictions in Nevada?

Yes, besides age requirements, Nevada has regulations related to responsible gambling, self-exclusion lists, and other aspects to protect players and maintain the industry’s integrity.

How many casinos are there in Nevada?

There are over 400 licensed casinos in Nevada, but this number can change as new casinos open and others close.

What was the first legal casino to open in Nevada?

The first licensed casino in Nevada was the Northern Club on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, which obtained its license in 1931.

Which casinos in NV offer free parking?

Many casinos in Nevada offer free parking, especially away from the Las Vegas Strip. However, some Strip casinos have introduced parking fees, though policies vary and can change.

How much is the annual tax revenue from casinos in Nevada?

Annual tax revenue fluctuates based on various factors. In 2022, the state collected over a billion dollars in gaming taxes and fees, but this figure varies year to year.

Is there a new casino opening soon in NV?

The casino landscape in Nevada is dynamic, with new properties and developments often in the pipeline. It’s best to check with the Nevada Gaming Control Board or local news sources for the latest updates.

Where can I get help regarding gambling addiction?

If you or someone you know struggles with gambling addiction, you can contact the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling or the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for assistance and resources.