Land-Based Casinos - Find Your Next Destination!
Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Slot Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
In my opinion, nothing beats a night at the casino. The lights, the luxury, the atmosphere, meeting fellow players – there’s something really special about traditional casino venues that simply cannot be recreated online.
While you can't overlook the convenience and fun of gambling at online casinos, nothing truly compares to the experience of playing at a land-based casino.
I travel a lot, and wherever I am in the world, I'm always looking for casinos near me where I can spend some quality time. Of course, since it's part of my job, I document these experiences, and now I have created this page to share them with you.
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United States
Land-based casinos have been a central part of American leisure and tourism for more than a century. The first wave of legal casinos took root in Nevada in the 1930s, with Las Vegas quickly growing into the country’s premier gaming destination. Atlantic City followed in the 1970s, cementing its place as the East Coast hub for casino entertainment. In the decades since, Native American tribes have also played a significant role, establishing casinos on sovereign lands after the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Today, US casinos range from glittering mega-resorts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City to smaller regional and tribal operations scattered across dozens of states. The modern land-based casino floor is dominated by slots machines, making the a veritable ocean of vibrant colours and activity. That is a departure somewhat from the traditional casino you might have seen is classic culture which has always tended to revert back to the vintage Vegas heyday of dimly lit tables as far as the eye could see, each surrounded by its own rowdy crowd of people.
The tables and social elements are still very well represented, though, with all the usual favourites such as blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and baccarat all taking pride of place - as well as a lot of modern variants too,
It's all backed up with a thriving entertainment and hotel scene, making casino culture one of the most diverse and popular forms of leisure in the US.
States
While Nevada and New Jersey are the states most associated with land-based casinos, they are generally commonplace across the country now. In fact, only a handful of states - namely Hawaii, Utah, Georgia and South Carolina (as of 2025) - don't have a land-based casino of some description.
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Cities
At the heart of American casino culture are the major city hubs of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. It is no exaggeration to say that these two cities are legendary, with Vegas especially influencing the emergence of casino culture and being considered the gambling capital of the world.
However, whilst Vegas is the capital, there are a couple of other great casino outposts in Nevada too, specifically Reno and Lake Taho. There isn't quite the same concentration of casinos, but they are still significant casino hotspots in the US.
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Canada
Canada’s casino industry is relatively young compared to Europe and the US, with the first legal venues opening in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gambling laws are handled at the provincial level, so each province regulates its own casinos, often through government-run corporations, though First Nations casinos and privately licensed operators also play a role. Today, there are around 90–100 land-based casinos across the country, ranging from major resort-style properties to smaller community casinos and racetrack-based venues.
Provinces
Ontario and Québec boast some of the country’s largest and most famous venues. British Columbia is also home to full-scale resorts, while Alberta features both urban casinos and those tied to horse racing. In the Prairie provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba operate a mix of provincial and First Nations-run casinos, and Nova Scotia and New Brunswick both maintain waterfront-style casinos serving as regional attractions.
While most Canadian provinces have casinos, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories remain without them.
Cities
Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver each offer distinct casino and gaming experiences shaped by their regional cultures. Calgary blends gaming with its Western heritage, often combining entertainment and nightlife alongside traditional casino floors. Toronto, Canada’s largest city, hosts large-scale facilities integrated with horse racing, hotels, and future resort-style expansions. Edmonton has a mix of urban and First Nations-operated venues that pair gaming with live shows and dining. Vancouver, on the Pacific coast, emphasises resort-style casinos that combine gaming with luxury accommodations, theaters, and fine dining,
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Europe
Europe is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious land-based casinos, many of which predate their American counterparts by centuries. The continent’s casino tradition can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when venues like the Casino di Venezia in Italy (established in 1638) and Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco (opened in 1863). However, casinos in Europe were traditionally a symbol of luxury and glamour, and social status.
Today, though, Europe’s casinos span a diverse landscape and are much more accessible to everyone. While iconic venues in Monaco, Baden-Baden (Germany), and Estoril (Portugal) remain associated with high society, modern casinos are now widespread across the continent, from the UK and France to Eastern Europe. They often feature a blend of traditional table games, slot machines, live shows, fine dining, and often historic architecture that adds to the atmosphere, but more modern trends have emerged too.
United Kingdom
The UK casino landscape is largely dominated by large chains such as Grosvenor, Genting, and Napoleons. They have generally developed from a widespread sports betting and bingo culture into very inclusive venues with a working class social atmosphere.
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Ireland
Unlike many countries, Ireland doesn’t officially permit traditional, open-to-the-public casinos. Instead, land‑based gambling takes place through private, members-only clubs, which is largely a legal workaround under current legislation that allows gambling as a social activity.
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Asia-Pacific
Macau, New Zealand, and Australia represent three of the most notable casino markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Macau is perhaps the only place in the world that can rival Las Vegas for the title of 'Gambling Capital of the World.' It is the only place in China where casino gaming is legal, and its mix of vast gaming resorts and luxury entertainment is certainly Vegas-esque in terms of scale and glitz.
New Zealand has a smaller but regulated market, with casinos located in key cities such as Auckland and Queenstown, where gaming venues are closely tied to tourism and local hospitality industries. Australia, meanwhile, is home to a well-established casino sector spread across most states, where integrated resorts combine gaming with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, serving both domestic players and international visitors.
Together, these destinations highlight the diversity of gaming in the region, from Macau’s massive global draw to Oceania’s more localised but vibrant markets.
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Special Collections
One of the best reasons to visit a casino is the variation you will find out there. After all, not all casinos are created equal. There is a way to do casinos that should appeal to everyone.
The more travel adventurous among us may like to hop on a cruise ship, for example. With the mega-ships you get nowadays, it's easy to find a large and very well-equiped casino that will literally follow you around as you visit different countries. Casino cruises are something that is really becoming popular among gamblers. If you like the idea of gambling on water but don't want to float around all over the ocean, then riverboat casinos may be more to your taste. They certainly offer a very unique aesthetic and atmosphere.
And, talking of aesthetics, casinos are some of the most visually stunning buildings on the planet now. Whether you want the classic, Monte-Carlo, James Bond style formality or the stunning theming of resorts like Luxor, Venetian, and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, there is plenty to see and enjoy. Most of those casinos have the theming through the whole resort too, making them a great travel experience as well as a great gambling one.
Casinos can also be great for families too. Okay, so kids won't be allowed on the casino floor unattended or be even adjacent to any gambling going on, and rightly so, but many casino resorts cater for kids as well with arcades, shows, and water-park style pool complexes.
DID YOU KNOW: Fan of James Bond? Well, sadly, there is no real Casino Royale as described in novel and film. The casino is fictional, as is the French seaside resort of Royale-les-Eaux where author Ian Fleming placed this land based destination. There is, though, a Casino Royale on the Las Vegas Strip, but it is the smallest by far and certainly nowhere near as grand as the fictional version.
What Makes a Great Land-based Casino?
Casinos offer a lot more than just great gambling and aesthetics. In fact, you could argue that gambling is just one small part of casino culture. It's not a modern thing either. You could look at the vintage era of Las Vegas, for example, and the extravagant shows, huge entertainment names (such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra), and the legendary all-you-can-eat buffets are every bit as much as the fabric as the gambling is.
Most casino resorts have huge theatres attached that host some of the biggest acts around. For example, the Sphere in Las Vegas, attached to the Venetian and Palazzo, holds more than 10,000 people, has industry redefining visuals, and 130,000 speakers. That venue is special, but seeing the biggest music and entertainment acts in casinos is very well established. Many of the casinos even have their own acts as residents.
Casinos are a paradise for foodies as well, with some world class dining. It must be said that the traditional all-you-can-eat buffets are just starting to disappear a little, but you can still find them as well if you are not wanting to go for a fancy meal. Play your cards right with the rewards clubs and a lot of that food will be complimentary as well.
In fact, there are a number of things you should look out for when it comes to finding a great land-based casino.
- Location: While you’ll usually find that bigger casinos are city-central with multiple public transport links, any great casino should be easily accessible.
- Design: While you want a land-based casino to be appealing, you also need it to be functional. Is your retail venue clean? Does it have an efficient layout? Is there room to walk around?
- Games: You’ll want to find a decent variety of slot machines, table games, and more at land-based casinos. Retail gambling establishments that offer both quantity and quality should be at the top of your list.
- Customer Service: Ideally, there will be friendly, professional, and helpful staff on hand to assist with anything from gameplay to cashouts.
- Events: A casino should provide the opportunity to enjoy special events, tournaments, and other exclusive rewards as part of its membership. Since the best live casinos frequently treat players to lucrative promotions, land-based casino perks are great for attracting visitors.
- Amenities: The likes of bars, restaurants, hotels, live entertainment, and even cash machines add to the local casino experience and separate a good land-based casino from a great one.
Tips When Playing at Land-Based Casinos
Gambling in a traditional casino is much different from playing using the best online casino apps. With so much to discover, from immersive slot machines to table games full of live action, knowing where to start can be challenging. That’s why I've compiled a list of top tips to help you make the most of your brick-and-mortar casino experience:
Gamble responsibly
Firstly, you should always gamble responsibly, no matter if you sit at a table in a traditional casino or play casino games online. It’s easy to get carried away with the adrenaline rush that real money betting can cause. Yet, by controlling your gambling habits, you can help your bankroll last a little longer. Check out my top responsible gambling tips below:
- Only ever gamble with disposable income you can afford to lose.
- Consider any cash lost as the cost of entertainment and any money won as a bonus.
- Set a cash limit and stick to it. Only take a certain amount of money with you to the casino and stop playing once you make a win or it runs out.
- Set a time limit and stick to it.
- Never borrow cash to gamble.
- Never chase losses.
- Don’t use gambling to cope with life.
- Seek professional help if gambling becomes a prominent part of your day.
Follow casino etiquette
Land-based casinos can be confusing places for first-time visitors. Full of bright lights, noise, and plenty of players who seem to know exactly what they’re doing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Before you head to your local casino, here are some tips for adhering to land-based casino rules:
- Understand game rules before taking a seat. Although casino staff is usually happy to talk you through rules before a game begins, you don’t want to put other players’ noses out of joint or cause delays by asking questions during a tense tournament.
- Don’t get drunk. This one seems straightforward, but with the amenities and bars often available at land-based casinos, you don’t want to get carried away. Staying sensible will also allow you to make smarter bets.
- In some casinos, you may be expected to tip the dealer. Be aware of this before the game begins so you’re not caught short at the end of the game!
Find the best game for you
Traditional table games are top-rated at land-based casinos for their social aspect and popularity but don’t be afraid to explore your options. With plenty of gambling games to try, you’ll never find a dull moment when gambling in person. Let’s take a closer look at your options:
- Slots: Playing free casino games online is great, but why not play slots for real money? Whether you go for the traditional 3-reel fruit machine variety or the updated and impressive video slots available now, spin your chances into potential slot success. Often with significant jackpots, you could land some big wins.
- Roulette: This exciting table game comprises a wheel with an outer dial divided into red/black alternated slots. Once the dealer spins the roulette wheel, a ball falls randomly on a pocket when the wheel stops spinning, which will determine your payout. Whether you play it safe with outside bets or risk your bankroll on inside bets is up to you, but you’ll have plenty of different betting options to pick from.
- Blackjack: Your main aim in blackjack is to beat the dealer. To do that, you’ll need to collect cards and build a hand with a higher value than the dealers, all without going over 21. While this classic online blackjack casino game is easy to learn, its complex bets make it popular with experienced players.
- Baccarat: This casino staple features a low house edge and speedy gameplay, making for an exciting land-based gambling game. Regular baccarat games use six to eight decks of cards, and you’ll need to wager on whether the “Player” or the “Dealer’s” hand will have a total closest to 9.
- Poker: Poker has become one of the most popular land-based casino games, and tables are available at most brick-and-mortar venues. In its basic form, poker is a card game in which you’ll need to build the best hand from the cards you have and community cards on the table.
Meet The Author
Experience
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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