Mardi Gras Casino & Resort Review for March 2026

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, West Virginia brings a fun, party-themed atmosphere to the area just west of Charleston. With greyhound racing, casino gaming, and an on-site hotel, it's a casual racino that works well for locals or travelers looking for an easy-going gaming experience. The property is manageable in size with a friendly vibe, and the Mardi Gras theme adds a playful touch without being over the top. Best of all, it's smoke-free, which is a major plus if cigarette smoke bothers you.

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.

Mardi Gras can be found at 1 Greyhound Drive in Cross Lanes, WV, right off I-64 and about 10-15 minutes from Charleston or Nitro. The drive is straightforward with excellent highway access, and parking is free and plentiful when you get there. The property feels convenient without being stuck in the middle of a big city, and the greyhound track adds this unique racino energy with views of the racing action.

Getting around is easy. Everything is walkable with short distances between the hotel, casino, and racing area. You won't need to deal with shuttles or long treks across a massive property.

The casino floor spans about 65,000 square feet with a lively Mardi Gras theme throughout. You've got beads, bright colors, and an upbeat, festival energy from the slots and tables. The theming is subtle but fun, adding personality without feeling gimmicky or overwhelming. The space gives you plenty of room to move around, and the layout makes it simple to switch between gaming, heading to the track, or going back to your hotel room.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with machine chimes, dealer calls, and occasional race announcements creating a buzz. It feels more like a fun local hangout than a polished Vegas-style casino, which honestly works in its favor. The property is manageable in size, so you never feel lost or overwhelmed trying to find your way around.

Here's a big selling point: Mardi Gras is smoke-free. If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke like I am, this is a huge advantage. However, if you're a smoker who likes to light up while you play, you'll probably want to look elsewhere since smoking isn't permitted on the gaming floor.

One thing to note about hours: the main gaming floor is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM, so it's not 24/7. Some slots may be available around the clock, but the full floor typically closes at 4:00 AM. Table games run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 AM as well. The poker room operates Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 3:00 AM. Just plan accordingly if you're someone who likes late-night or early-morning gaming.

Table Games

The table games section has around 35 live tables with the usual classics: blackjack, craps, roulette, and various poker variants. The dealers are friendly and keep things moving at a good pace, which makes for enjoyable casual play.

One of the best things here is the player-friendly minimums. You'll often find $10-$15 starting bets, and they run specials like $5 roulette or Three Card Poker, which is always a welcome surprise. That makes it accessible if you're on a budget or just want to stretch your bankroll. The pits get social with some good energy and cheers during hot streaks.

The selection isn't the most extensive in the state, but it's good enough for a solid gaming session. The seating is comfortable enough for extended play, though some tables show a bit of wear. Overall, it's a decent variety in a relaxed setting without any high-stakes pressure.

Here's what you'll typically find:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker
• Four Card Poker
• Let It Ride
• Ultimate Texas Hold'em
• Mississippi Stud

Slots

Slots are the main attraction with over 700 machines featuring a growing selection of classic reels, video slots, progressives, and popular titles. Denominations range from pennies up to high limit, so whether you want low-stakes fun or bigger action, you're covered.

The area lights up with sounds and flashing lights, and the chairs are comfortable enough for longer sessions. They keep adding new games to the line-up, which helps keep things fresh. The casino promotes millions in jackpots paid out yearly, and some folks do hit nice wins. Others feel the machines run a bit tight. It's the usual mixed bag you get with slots.

Again, the selection isn't the absolute best in West Virginia, but it's good enough for an enjoyable stay. If you're looking for the newest, most cutting-edge slot selection with thousands of machines, you might find it a bit limited. But for a manageable, relaxed gaming experience, it works well.

Sportsbook and Greyhound Racing

There's a Betly Sportsbook & Bar for betting on major sports, complete with screens and lounge seating for watching the action. You can place bets on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports in a comfortable setting.

The real standout feature here is the greyhound racing. This is what sets Mardi Gras apart from other properties. Live greyhound races bring genuine excitement, with the dogs running fast and crowds getting into it. I didn't personally bet on the races, but watching them was fun and definitely created a buzz around the property. You can watch and bet from the grandstand or from certain areas of the casino. When there aren't live races, they offer simulcast wagering to fill in the gaps.

The vibe really ramps up during live race events with people cheering and getting excited. It's well-integrated for a true racino feel and gives the property a unique character. Lines can form on particularly busy race nights, but overall it's a fun feature that makes Mardi Gras stand out.

Rewards Club

Mardi Gras uses the Lucky North Rewards program. You can sign up for free at the desk or at kiosks around the property. It's pretty straightforward: you earn points from your play that can be redeemed for free slot credits, dining, hotel stays, or merchandise.

Perks include the specials like 50+ Tuesdays, hot seat drawings, and tier benefits for more frequent visitors. The app or online portal tracks everything easily, and it seems rewarding for regular players or racing bets. I didn't personally sign up during my visit, but it's there if you want to take advantage of it.

The hotel at Mardi Gras offers around 150 rooms and suites right on the property, making it convenient to crash after a night of gaming or watching the races. It's a no-frills, mid-range setup that focuses on comfort and cleanliness rather than luxury or elaborate design.

Rooms

I stayed in a Deluxe King room, and it was comfortable and clean with modern touches. You get a big HD flat-screen TV (around 40-55 inches), plush bedding on a comfortable king bed, a work desk, in-room safe, basic coffee setup, and free WiFi. The bathroom had good amenities, and everything felt fresh.

Here's my main critique: the decor is a bit "battleship grey" for my tastes. It's very neutral and somewhat bland without much personality or warmth to the design. That said, it was clean and sufficient for what I needed. Some suites add living areas or casino views if you want to upgrade, but the standard rooms are solid mid-range accommodations that are quiet, spacious enough, and convenient with direct casino access.

There were no issues with dated furnishings, weird smells, or maintenance problems. It's a straightforward overnight option that gets the job done at a reasonable price.

Where to Eat

Dining options are somewhat limited here, but they cover the basics. There are a couple of spots:

I tried the restaurants during my stay and found them sufficient but nothing special. The food was okay, but nothing I'd write home about. If you're expecting a memorable dining experience, you might be disappointed. For a quick meal or something convenient without leaving the property, they do the job fine. The variety ties into the New Orleans theme, though overall it leans more casual.

It’s also worth noting that there are a number of quick-bite type eateries across the property that provide cheap and easy eats such as First Turn Express. 

Pool and Spa

The property has a fitness center with basic equipment like treadmills and bikes for quick workouts. There's also a fitness pool for laps and a hot tub for relaxing after gaming.

The pool is small but pleasant. The hot tub is nothing special but nice to have available. It's all functional rather than resort-level luxury, but it serves its purpose well if you want to work out or soak for a bit. They don't offer full spa services like massages or treatments.

Visitors should note that there is no spa at Mardi Gras Casino and Resort, so if that is important to you, you should choose somewhere else.

Entertainment

Entertainment focuses mainly on the casino energy itself. They run poker events and tournaments, occasional live music at spots like Louie's Lounge, and of course the excitement of the greyhound races. There's no big Event Center for major concerts or large-scale shows, but the promotions calendar keeps things lively with drawings, multipliers, and themed nights.

They also run specials like 50+ Tuesdays where players 50 and over can earn points for chances at up to $2,500 in free play, hot seat drawings, and other promotional events that add to the fun.

Mardi Gras Casino & Resort delivers a fun, themed racino experience with greyhound racing as its unique hook, solid gaming options, and comfortable hotel convenience. The manageable size and friendly atmosphere make it easy to navigate and enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. The subtle Mardi Gras theming adds a playful touch, and the relaxed vibe is perfect for a casual getaway.

The biggest selling point for many will be that it's smoke-free. If cigarette smoke bothers you, this is a major advantage over most casinos. However, smokers who like to light up while they play will definitely want to go elsewhere.

The slots and table games selection isn't the absolute best in the state, but it's good enough for an enjoyable stay, especially with those player-friendly table minimums. The greyhound racing adds genuine excitement and buzz to the property, even if you're just watching rather than betting. The hotel rooms are clean and sufficient, though the battleship grey decor won't wow anyone. Dining is limited and nothing special, but adequate for basic needs.

It's not flashy or huge, and the limited hours (9 AM to 4 AM) might be inconvenient for some. But the party atmosphere, affordable table games, smoke-free environment, and local feel make it a solid option for a casual getaway near Charleston, especially if you enjoy the unique experience of greyhound racing or just want straightforward gaming action without massive crowds.

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