Today, Las Vegas is known for a lot more than just gaming. People visit to see spectacular shows, dance in pulsing night clubs, dine at famous restaurants, and even enjoy thrill rides at some of the resorts (and high above the Strip). Even with all these other attractions on the table though, a lot of tourists still want to enjoy the classic experience of playing cards in a Vegas casino.
With that in mind, here’s our look at some of the best places to play cards in Sin City, in between checking out all the other attractions.
1. Treasure Island
For blackjack enthusiasts, Treasure Island is one of the best casinos on the Strip. The main casino floor has 28 blackjack tables, which is certainly on the high side. Among these tables, there are also some less common versions of the game. Such as “double deck” games in which players can double down both before and after splitting. Most casinos don’t offer this, which makes Treasure Island ideal or the blackjack aficionados.
Meanwhile, if you get hungry while gambling, don’t worry. One of the most attractive benefits Treasure Island offers for gamers is an array of generous comps! After four hours of playing at any table, the house will comp a full buffet for you. Play more, eat (and drink) more.
2. Aria
It’s no secret that a lot of people like to shop while traveling. And they have plenty of good options in Las Vegas. The Aria has become the most attractive destination in this respect due to its legendary Shops at Crystals attraction. Tourists can enjoy walking the mall, which has 56 exclusive luxury shopping boutiques. Including the likes of Gucci, Cartier, Prada, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.
While this is more or less the defining features of the Aria. The modern resort has also established itself as one of the classiest poker venues in town. Whilst not the biggest in size. The Aria poker room consists of 24 tables divided into 18 standard tables and 6 high-stakes options. The environment is upscale, but ideal for those who want to concentrate and take a poker game or two seriously.
3. The Orleans
While most tourists usually flock to the streets of Las Vegas Blvd. There are other destinations that locals semi-secretly prefer to gamble at. Case in point, The Orleans topped a 2021 list of the most underrated poker venues in Vegas. And this is at least in part because many visitors are not aware of the numerous benefits the venue offers.
Those offers include low-stakes daily tournaments (which will appear to plenty of tourists). Mixed games spread and a regular churn of cash games at any given time. It’s for these benefits and the relative lack of crowd that local gamblers often choose The Orleans for poker.
4. Mirage
Arguably the original true luxury resort casino of the modern Strip, Mirage is known for its tropical theme and amazing volcano reproduction. While the volcano is regrettably shutting down, it has long made for one of the Strip’s reliable photo ops for visitors.
Attractions and history aside though, the Mirage has also developed a strong reputation among card gamers, and particularly those interested in blackjack. The casino boasts a 100,220-square-foot gaming area and 144 tables, of which 51 are specifically for blackjack. Throw in something of a rainforest environment, and it’s just a fun place to play.
5. Rio
Another favorite place for locals is the Rio, because it’s not located directly on the Strip. This is a world-famous poker venue, and for good reason. The Rio is where the World Series of Poker has been held until recently. Poker fans and players alike have spent weeks at a time gathered at the Rio to see the best of the best going at it. Now, the WSOP is changing venues in 2022, but it will have left its mark; the Rio will always be known as a world-class poker spot.
Las Vegas is an amazing city that has so much to offer every tourist –– from restaurants and shows, to shopping and sightseeing, and, of course, gambling. For those who want the foundational experience of playing some cards in a real Vegas casino though, the venues and card rooms mentioned here are the best of the best.
