By now, most of the gamblers who visit Las Vegas every year know the Strip is a tourist trap of sorts. Sure, you'll enjoy world-class dining options and an endless array of entertainment, but casinos there are notorious for goosing up their own house edge.
The traditional 3:2 payout for landing a natural 21 in blackjack is watered down to a 6:5 rate, more than tripling the house's inherent edge in that classic card game. Roulette players will almost never find single-zero European wheels.
Answer 1 of 58: What is in your opinion the best and the worst casino in las vegas. Just asking this because I am in Vegas now (8 more days) and I am just wondering why people choose that particular casino to play in ( yes I know about the comps and blah blah. Earlier on, I put together a list of the seven best Vegas Strip casino resorts. These properties were deemed the best of the bunch, in my book at least, and I strongly encourage every Las Vegas visitor to experience their delights for themselves. That list was followed by seven more venues I classified as the Vegas Strip mid-tier contenders.
Cultural Corridor. 4 Population: 12,643. Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change) Median Home Value: $57,176. The Las Vegas Club is horrible. The Hotel is closed and only the casino and bar are open. They closed the parking garage. There is no place to eat.
As for the slots, players have long reported that machines found along Las Vegas Boulevard are typically 'tighter' than elsewhere in Sin City. The idea of tight and loose machines is actually a myth, but tight and loose casinos are quite real.
With that in mind, I put together a list of the seven worst casinos for tight slot machines on the Las Vegas Strip, which you can read down below.
If you're planning on gambling outside The Strip, no worries! I also hit the worst tight slots off the Las Vegas Strip, so be sure to check out it to give you an idea of all your options.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
How do we know these are the tightest slots casinos on the Strip? Well, thanks to the payback percentage surveys conducted by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) every year, you'll see that our recommendations are based off of fact.
Las Vegas Slot Machine Payback Percentage Rates (by Coin Denomination and Region)
1¢ Slot Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 88.38% |
| Downtown | 89.15% |
| Boulder Strip | 90.38% |
| North Las Vegas | 90.88% |
5¢ Slot Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 91.64% |
| Downtown | 93.40% |
| North Las Vegas | 95.29% |
| Boulder Strip | 96.21% |
25¢ Slot Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 89.35% |
| Downtown | 94.25% |
| North Las Vegas | 96.41% |
| Boulder Strip | 96.13% |
$1 Slot Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 92.43% |
| Downtown | 94.63% |
| North Las Vegas | 95.39% |
| Boulder Strip | 96.13% |
$1 Megabucks Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 87.83% |
| North Las Vegas | 55.52% |
| Downtown | 89.07% |
| Boulder Strip | 91.35% |
All Slot Machines
| Region | Average Payback |
|---|---|
| The Strip | 91.47% |
| Downtown | 92.67% |
| Boulder Strip | 94.34% |
| North Las Vegas | 93.53% |
Below, you'll find the seven worst places on the Strip where tight slots are the norm, based on each venue's overall average payback percentage rate. https://play-casino-dz-virtual-bonus-field-instant.peatix.com.
1 – The Venetian
Owned and operated by billionaire ghoul and anti-online gambling pariah Sheldon Adelson, the Venetian is the centerpiece of his Las Vegas Sands Corp.
And while Sands isn't as invasive as fellow casino corporations MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, which collectively own most of the properties along the Strip, Adelson's greed still seeps through into every aspect of the Venetian. That includes the slot parlors, where players are up against the steepest climb anywhere on the Strip by virtue of an atrocious 86.66% average payback rate.
For comparison's sake, that figure is nearly 5% worse than the Strip's overall average of is 91.47%. And remember, the average is already lower than everywhere else in Las Vegas. So, unless you're playing slots at McCarran Airport (85.02%), you simply can't find a worse place to play slots anywhere in Sin City than the Venetian.
2 – Bellagio Hotel and Casino
Like the Venetian, the Bellagio disguises its intentions by using ornate marble floors, vaulted ceilings, art exhibits, and gold plating to make visitors feel in awe of their good fortune.
And while staying at the Bellagio is certainly a true luxury experience, gambling here is a losing bet based on the slot selection's 87.42% payback average. Don't be fooled by the expansive offerings, which include more than 2,300 machines for one of the Strip's largest slot lineups.
Quantity doesn't beat quality in this case, so while you'll likely find all of your favorite games here, the Bellagio carefully balances them with tight machines to ensure its property-wide payback rate is as low as possible.
This is likely because the Bellagio's corporate overlords at MGM Resorts have studied the numbers in and out, so they know their average guest has enough expendable income to weather the storm. In other words, if you're wealthy enough to afford a week at the Bellagio, maybe you just won't notice that the slots there are among the tightest in town.
3 – Mandalay Bay
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Another property owned by MGM Resorts, the Mandalay Bay is a curious inclusion on this list. Other than the gold-plated windows that give off a distinctive vibe, the Mandalay Bay isn't exactly on par with the Venetian or the Bellagio in terms of luxury accommodations.
Even so, this eminently average casino still tries to gouge customers with a low 88.87% payback rate on slots.
You might save a few bucks trading out your Bellagio reservations for a Mandalay Bay stay, but the slot gameplay here is still just as awful.
4 – Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
The flagship property of Caesars Entertainment is, obviously, Caesars Palace. It's one of the original monuments of Las Vegas excess found on the Strip.
And sure enough, Caesars Palace is home to the award-winning, world-class Bacchanal Buffet, a thriving poker room, and top-notch amenities across the board.
If it wasn't for that pesky 89.05% average payback rate on slot play, I'd probably stay here every time I head out to the desert for a little fun. Unfortunately, that payback rate is far too low to be considered competitive, so do yourself a favor and consider Caesars Palace the perfect place to shop, eat, and catch a show—but never to spin the slots.
5 – The Mirage
I used to love the Mirage back in the 1990s, when famed tiger tamers Siegfried and Roy wowed audiences nightly and the poker room was home to World Champion pros.
Things have changed though, as they always do. Today, the MGM Resorts-owned Mirage is widely considered to be 'middle of the road' fare for casinos on the Strip. Everything at the Mirage is just 'meh,' right down to the 89.30% average payback rate for slot players.
6 – Treasure Island
Another holdover from the ‘90s glory days, Treasure Island (or 'TI' after a disastrous rebranding effort) was sold by MGM Resorts to billionaire Phil Ruffin in 2008.
And like any billionaire worth his salt, Ruffin quickly set to work stripping his new acquisition for parts, swapping out loose slots for tight machines that combine for an 89.32% average payback.
Today, the Treasure Island experience can best be described as a bargain basement affair, with Ruffin showing no qualms about underserving his customers to better serve himself.
7 – Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
Last but not least, Harrah's is one of the 'middle of the road' offerings under the Caesars Entertainment corporate umbrella.
Everything here is fine, no better and no worse, which seems to be what Harrah's is all about.
I might pass through while looking for a decent meal, or maybe some shopping with the wife, but I wouldn't be caught dead competing against Harrah's low 89.325 average payback for slots.
Conclusion
The Strip deserves its title as the world's gambling capital, and without it, Las Vegas would still be a dusty outpost seldom visited by outsiders. Neon lights, superstar entertainers, and unique tourist destinations combine to make strolling down Las Vegas Boulevard a once-in-a-lifetime experience for newcomers.
On the other hand, corporatization has turned the Strip into a money pit for budget-minded visitors and sharp gamblers alike. When you know the score regarding payback percentage comparisons, playing slots at the well-known casino resorts listed above simply doesn't make financial sense.
Every year sees 40 million visitors touch down in Las Vegas. When they arrive, the bulk will call The Strip their home away from home during their time in Sin City.
For most, that means a dizzying array of world-class entertainment running around the clock, casino gambling options more bountiful than anywhere on Earth, wining and dining and all the rest. With 28 different casino resorts operating on The Strip, it takes some truly bad luck to wind up staying somewhere that doesn't live up to the hype.
The Wynn, the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, the Aria, and the Venetian are all bona fide must-see attractions for every Las Vegas visitor, which is why they made my list of the top seven casinos on The Strip. And while these venues might cost a little more than their more budget-friendly competitors, paying a premium to enjoy the very best Las Vegas has to offer is definitely worth it.
But during my most recent trip to The Strip, which afforded me enough time to visit all 28 casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard, I saw the other end of the spectrum up close and personal. You have the mid-tier casino contenders, or the seven casinos that provide a perfectly enjoyable experience while allowing guests to save a few bucks.
Then there's The Strip's disappointing duds, seven properties that seem to be stuck in the neutral, basking in their 90's reputation while refusing to evolve with the times.
The 14 casinos which make up The Strip's middle ground each have their selling points, along with clear and unmistakable drawbacks which can't be ignored.
Unfortunately, that leaves seven casino resorts to round out the list. This bunch really represents the bottom of the barrel. While it pains me even to remember my time touring the seven dreadful dumps listed below, it's my duty to warn readers about why they should stay away.
22 – Best Western Plus/Casino Royale
To be fair, the Best Western Plus/Casino Royale doesn't pretend to be anything else but what it is – a low-rent option for thrifty visitors to The Strip.
With that in mind, if all you're looking for in accommodations is a decent bed and the basic amenities, the price is right at Best Western Plus/Casino Royale.
On the other hand, this property sticks out like a sore thumb amidst the splendor and extravagance that defines The Strip in the minds of most. This is nothing more than a standard economy hotel that might be found anywhere in suburban America, but it somehow occupies valuable real estate along Las Vegas Boulevard.
I don't know about you, but without spectacular views from a hotel tower, huge swimming pools that double as a place to party, and an abundance of restaurants, bars, retail outlets, and onsite entertainment, you might as well be staying in any random hotel chain found off The Strip.
The same feeling that something essential is missing permeates the tiny Casino Royale as well. This 17,000 square foot 'mini-casino' has far less to offer than the tribal gambling halls scattered throughout the rest of the Southwest.
You'll find only four table games spread at Casino Royale – blackjack, craps, roulette, and Three Card Poker. And while 300 slot machines are clustered closely around the cramped floor, Casino Royale only has video poker built into the bar.
The reason Best Western Plus/Casino Royale earned the top spot on this list is simple. With no resort fees and free parking, this place makes it possible for budget-focused guests to pinch pennies.
Knowing you won't be stuck with surprise surcharges at every turn provides valuable peace of mind. It's especially true given the bait and switch tactics employed by the corporate-owned casinos to come.
23 – Mandalay Bay
I really wanted to love the Mandalay Bay, one of the last casino resorts to open its doors in The Strip's glory days of the ‘90s.
But even as one of MGM Resorts' supposed crown jewels since 1999, the Mandalay Bay remains stuck in the past in all the worst ways. Immediately after arriving to check in, I realized I'd be in for a tough time in terms of customer service. It was a scene that multiple one-star Yelp reviews can confirm. I was told, in no uncertain terms, that my mobile check-in attempt using the app failed to go through.
Adopting new technologies to streamline the customer's experience is an admirable goal, but only if the implementation is successful. In this case, it hasn't been. So, I joined a group of fellow guests whose mobile check-ins were a miss and stood in line for an hour to do it the old-fashioned way.
Naturally, despite it being 30 minutes past the advertised check-in time of 3:00 p.m., the desk agent told me, my room—which I had reserved months before, mind you—wasn't ready to enter.
The experience didn't get any better from there. Secret monkey count spanish 21. The room was still looking disheveled when I walked in, room service meals ran into the triple-digits for a basic two-person meal, and there was a hair-trigger sensor on the mini-bar fridge.
After spending a wholly uneventful two days at Mandalay Bay—the casino is nothing special, while the once amazing pool has been rendered unusable with 'cabana fees'—I was hit hard with $124 in additional fees for using the mini-bar. The only thing is, I never touched a single packet of $7 cheese crisps or a tiny $10 shot of Hennessy.
What I did do, however, is gently place my backpack on top of the cabinet which houses the mini-bar fridge. That was enough to nudge the contents contained inside, triggering that overly sensitive sensor and marking me down for a litany of overpriced snacks and drinks.
Despite personally showing a member of Mandalay Bay's staff that the bottlecaps were still intact, and the wrappers remained untorn, they stubbornly refused to remove the charges. I've flagged them as fraudulent with my bank, so here's hoping on that front, but that ridiculous rip-off also forced me to flag Mandalay Bay as one of The Strip's seven dreadful dumps.
24 – Paris
Another property to open in 1999, the Paris Hotel & Casino was at one point a top destination on The Strip.
The iconic Eiffel Tower recreation out front houses an elite fine dining restaurant, while also offering one of the best views anywhere on The Strip in the observation deck. The French theme allowed for an array of high-end European shopping outlets, and culinary delights from Michelin star chefs. And the Caesars Entertainment operated casino was known for its low limits, generous odds, and high payback percentages on the machines. Joe fortune casino.
My how things have changed…
Today, beware booking a room boasting the famous Eiffel Tower view. This view costs a whole lot more. And while it's fine by day, you'll be blasted by techno rave music from the nearby nightclub all night long.
To cap off my misery, the staff here at Paris were just about as rude as any I've yet encountered in Sin City. Dismissive smirks when you ask simple questions, excessive hoops to jump through just to get a coffee maker delivered to the room, and the same mobile check-in failures found at the Mandalay Bay make Paris a pure disappointment.
25 – Bally's
I won't waste any more time than I need to discuss the disaster that is Bally's.
After waiting around for 15 minutes just for a desk agent to show up—not to finish checking other guests in, simply to arrive and get to work—I received a room key that didn't work. After hoofing it back downstairs to get one that did, I opened the door to find one of the worst odors I've ever smelled.
It took an hour or so of haggling just to get switched to a new room, which doesn't make much sense given how empty this place was during what should've been a busy weekend. And when I found mold in the new room too, I firmly requested a refund and high-tailed it out of Bally's, never to return.
26 – Mirage
The Mirage used to be a legitimate Las Vegas destination, with Siegfried and Roy wowing audiences with their tigers and magic, and an immaculate casino that set the standard upon opening in 1989.
But the tigers are long gone—save a few sad holdovers confined to the world's sorriest zoo—and the casino doesn't appear to have been updated in 30 years.
What I hated most about The Mirage, however, was the 'surge pricing' used by bars and gift shops to shaft guests. Buy your booze or snacks during a set downtime, and they'll only be overpriced to the usual tune. Purchase them during 'peak hours' though, and you'll suddenly see the exact same selection double or even triple in cost.
27 – Stratosphere
The Stratosphere does manage to evoke its outer space theme, but only because it's so dark and empty.
Is blackjack rigged. Room rates here can drop into the teens ($13-$19 on weekdays, plus a resort fee), which should clue you in just to how awful the Stratosphere really is.
28 – Circus Circus
Picture a parody of a casino designed to be grotesque in every way, and you'll know what Circus Circus is all about.
I realize kids come to Las Vegas along with their parents, and they need a source of entertainment too, but focusing your entire property on carnival games is a bad look.
Everywhere you turn, you'll see young children standing in clouds of cigarette smoke, shameless salesman trying to hawk overpriced toys, and parents guzzling tall cans while their little ones look on – making for a truly depressing scene throughout.
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Throw in carpets with stains that seem a century old and staff members who don't have the slightest problem when it comes to ignoring guests. The Circus Circus earns every bit of its last-place ranking on this list.
Worst Casino In Las Vegas
Conclusion
Every so often, your pat 20 at the blackjack table will be beaten when the dealer flips over an Ace and a face. Now and then, you'll spin the slots 20 times in a row and lose them all, burning through $100 before you can blink. And if you're in town playing a poker tournament, pocket Aces can get cracked more often than you can count.
Losing is part and parcel of gambling at any Las Vegas casino, which is why visitors should always try their best to book accommodations at a resort that makes the guest feel like a winner, nonetheless.
When you stay at any of the seven casinos listed here, you'll experience the opposite effect with the lack of amenities, exorbitant prices, and subpar service leaving you feeling like a loser even if you happen to hit the jackpot.
