Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City Casinos (April 2024)

Atlantic City vs Las Vegas is the East Side vs West Side casino battle in the USA. Both cities have built reputations as gaming capitals, where players can go and try their luck to win life-changing sums of money. The rivalry between the two dates back to the late 1970s, just after gambling was legalised in New Jersey.

Both cities draw in tourists in their hordes, and they do not only come for the gaming. The hotel casino megaresorts that you can find in Vegas and Atlantic City are packed with facilities. You could just as easily go to either place for shopping, spa and wellness treatments, big music concerts, or for the nightlife.

History of Las Vegas vs Atlantic City

Las Vegas has been a centre for casino gaming for decades, and its name is synonymous with gambling. Its association with the gambling industry has been made the stuff of legends through film and media. Who can forget Rain Man, Casino, Ocean's Eleven or Viva Las Vegas? However, when gambling was legalised in New Jersey, then Las Vegas was given a real run for its money. Investors poured money into Atlantic City, building establishments such as Bally's, Caesars, Golden Nugget, Harrah's and Tropicana.

The 1980s was the golden age of Atlantic City's casino industry, and Las Vegas had to follow suit. In 1989, the Mirage was built on the Las Vegas Strip, paving the way to all the other megaresorts. The battle was on, and soon both cities had massive, luxurious casino palaces. The rivalry still continues to the modern day, which is an exciting premonition for gaming tourists. The deals only keep improving and the big jackpot prizes swell with every passing year, as both cities try to reel in more customers and provide more luxurious gaming options.

Top 5 Las Vegas Casinos

There are over 60 casinos in Las Vegas, which can be found in Fremont Street, along the Las Vegas Strip, or in suburban areas such as Summerlin. The Las Vegas Strip is by far the biggest, both in terms of revenue and size of the establishments. Out of 30+ casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, here are our 5 favourite casinos.

1. The Venetian

Casino Features:

• 120,000 square foot casino
• 1,900 slots and gaming machines
• 250 gaming tables
• Yahoo Sportsbook

The Venetian is the place where dreams can come true, and not only for jackpot hunters. You can go for gondola rides on the canals, past the beautiful Venetian plazas in this megaresort. It also includes entertainment venues, classic Italian Renaissance-themed paintings and museums, and top dining venues for the foodies. You can book a stay at the Venetian hotel, which has over 4,000 rooms and suites. 

Onto the gaming action, you will not be disappointed with the selection of top games at The Venetian. You can suit up and head straight to the opulent gaming tables, of which there are 250 to pick from. There are gaming lessons for newbies, and a Palazzo High Limit Lounge for the gaming veterans, the latter of which has produced over 10 millionaires since The Venetian has been in business. Slots make up the heart of any good gaming venue, and at The Venetian, you can play all sorts of quality titles. There are Buffalo Zones and 88 Fortunes for the games who cannot get enough of the video slots in those series. The casino also knows how to throw a good poker tournament, and there are all sorts of Omaha, Omaha 8 and Texas Hold'em cash games. Finally, the Yahoo Sportsbook is the ideal venue for sports fans, especially those who come in groups. You can rent a Fan Cave, watch games at the bar, or even tuck into some delicious craft burgers and beers.

2. Wynn Resort Las Vegas

Casino Features:

• 111,000 square feet of gaming space
• 1,800 slots and video poker machines
• Over 150 gaming tables
• WynnBet Sportsbook

The Wynn is one of the most palatial casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. It exudes opulence, with massive facilities that are all designed to perfection. The hotel has 2,716 luxury rooms and a string of amenities to keep tourists active and busy during their stay. There are some delightful restaurants to pick from, that serve up top notch Asian, American, Latin, Italian and Steakhouse dishes. The Wynn attracts some of the biggest music shows and entertainers, from Beyonce to Monty Python's Spamalot, so its worth looking through what is on at the Wynn prior to your visit there. You can also check into its world class spa, or go for a round of golfing at the prestigious Wynn Golf Club.

The Wynn Casino is an experience like no other. With 1,800 flashing and chirping gaming machines spread out across 111,000 square feet of gaming space, it is gigantic. There are many thrilling video slots awaiting keen gamers, including classics such as Megabucks, Monopoly, Blazing 7's and Top Dollar. On top of that, there are gaming tables scattered out on two gaming floors. The games provided include Blackjack and Roulette, which welcome both beginners and experts alike. Wynn is a no-brainer for poker players, as there are some highly exciting tournaments. The Wynn hosts the World Championship of poker, with a buy in over $10,000 and a prize pool worth $40,000,000. Sports bettors can go for an almost cinematic sports-watching experience at the Race & Sportsbook.

3. MGM Grand Las Vegas

Casino Features:

• 171,500 square foot casino
• Over 2,500 slots
• 139 gaming tables
• BetMGM Sportsbook

MGM Grand is an unmissable, huge megaresort that is located at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and the Las Vegas Strip. The resort has the largest hotel in the world, with 6,852 rooms. It was built in 1993 and is run by MGM Resorts International. The complex has a huge Garden Arena, an extensive Pool Complex, and many other leisure facilities. CSI: The Experience and the David Copperfield show are a must for travellers, as is the Hakkasan nightclub. Then, there is a throng of exceptional restaurants, including Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak, L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon, International Smoke and Morimoto.

MGM Grand has one of the largest casinos in Las Vegas, with an abundance of slots, poker, table games and sports bets. You can play at the slots for as little as 1 cent or $1,000 per spin, and there are plenty of different themed and feature-packed titles to pick from. If jackpots are your thing, then MGM Grand is the place to be. With slot tournaments, progressives reels and high limit slots, you can really go all in for the big prize. MGM Grand welcomes poker players of all budgets. Cash games start from $1/$2 and there is a wealthy variety of poker games to pick from. Omaha 8 or Better, Limit Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, 7 Card Stud and Mixed Games are all part and parcel at MGM Grand. The BetMGM Sportsbook has seats for over 100 guests and numerous Skyboxes where guests can enjoy an exclusive game watching experience.

4. Bellagio

Casino Features:

• 156,000 square foot casino
• 2,300 video slots and video poker
• 135 table games
• BetMGM Sportsbook

Bellagio is a classy resort, which is instantly recognisable on the Las Vegas Strip. In front of it sits the Fountains of Bellagio water feature, which comes to life at night. The hotel has more than 3,900 hotel rooms, providing splendid views of the Vegas Strip at the height of luxury. Though it is in the heart of the razzle-dazzle of Vegas, there are many relaxing, mystical elements to Bellagio. For example, it has a Fine Art Gallery, a restaurant with Picasso paintings, a Conservatory, Botanical Gardens and the dramatic “O” by Cirque Du Soleil. Bellagio also has a wondrous spa and salon, providing wellness treatments and rejuvenating therapies.

Run by MGM Resorts International, the Bellagio Casino is everything you can possibly hope for. It has all the top gaming machines you could hope for, and big slots tournaments with prizes that can go up to over $2 million. If you want to game like a pro, then the Club Prive is a must. This high limit lounge has a wide range of table games and tableside services. You can also try out the whiskey and fine cigars in the lounge too. Bellagio has 40 poker tables in its dedicated poker house, with complimentary beverage service and loads of screens to watch the big tournaments unfold. Last but not least, its Sportsbook is a perfect place for horse race lovers, who can pick out any of the 99 individual racing monitors to bet on all the action.

5. Aria Resort and Casino

Casino Features:

• 150,000 square foot casino
• 2,000 slots
• 150 table games
• BetMGM Sportsbook

The Aria Resort and Casino has a dapper look and is extremely high tech. The hotel has more than 4,000 rooms, which are all equipped with smart tools and snazzy fittings. The resort has some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas. Carbone, Cathedrale, CATCH and the Proper Eats food hall provide exquisite dishes, and you can find meals for all times of the day. Spread out across the complex, there are water attractions, custom artwork and smart screens with which you can discover more about the programs. Aria hosts numerous shows at its T-Mobile Arena and Dolby Live, from fight night events to night concerts. That is not to mention you can also catch a hockey game, as the T-Mobile Arena is the home stadium of the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Aria has some of the finest gaming machines, not only because of the games themselves, but these machines use cutting-edge technology. You can really throw yourself into your slots or video poker with exceptional graphics and dynamic audio, all while sitting on ergonomic chairs. This will be especially welcome for gamers who like a good slots tournament, and there are plenty of those at Aria. The gaming tables host a great variety of casino games, including all the classics such as Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Roulette and Pai Gow. The poker room has over 20 tables that serve cash games of No Limit Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha. You can also take part in the Daily Tournaments, which usually start around 1 PM.

Top 5 Atlantic City Casinos

Whereas the casinos are spread out across more areas in Las Vegas, in Atlantic City the casinos are all located on the Atlantic Ocean boardwalk. There are only 9 casinos in Atlantic City, a number that surprises many gamers. However, this does not turn most gamers away. Maybe it is because it is closer for a lot of gamers living on the East Coast, or perhaps it is for the Ocean views, but Atlantic City gives heavy competition to Las Vegas.

1. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Casino Features:

• 161,000 square feet of gaming space
• 4,000 slots
• 180 table games
• Borgata Sportsbook

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa opened in 2003 and is the most profitable casino in Atlantic City. It sits on Borgata Way 1, just off Huron Avenue. Though it is not on the Boardwalk, this casino draws masses of visitors. The Borgata Event Center, Borgata Festival Park and Borgata Music Box always have shows on. You can catch everything from stand-up comedy to legendary music acts. That is not to mention the sports events that are held at Borgata, most of which are fight bouts. The hotel has 2,700 rooms, at some great rates. It is also worth checking out the signature restaurants such as American Grille, Angeline by Michael Symon and Izakaya.

Borgata has a diverse range of gaming machines. At 4,000, it has one of the largest collections of machines in a single casino in the world. You can expect video slots, linked jackpots, video poker and all the latest games on the market. The casino provides all the table games you can possibly need, including all the classics and a bunch of excellent variants, such as Spanish 21, Bonus Poker, Let It Ride and Big Six. You should also keep your eyes peeled for the poker variants, such as Double Draw Poker, Criss Cross Poker and Three Card Poker. The Sportsbook, powered by BetMGM, has a top quality diner, and a tremendous range of betting markets.

2. Tropicana Atlantic City Casino Resort

Casino Features:

• 125,000 square foot casino
• More than 2,400 slots
• Over 130 table games
• Caesars Sportsbook

Tropicana Atlantic City, which is also called The Trop, is one of the fanciest casino resorts on the Boardwalk. The building was constructed in 1919 and opened as The Ambassador Hotel. It was visited by many celebrities in the 20s, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who wrote Sherlock Holmes), Harry Houdini, and even Al Capone. In 1981, it reopened after a period of inactivity, as the Tropicana Atlantic City casino resort. The complex has over 20 restaurants, including top quality diners such as Superfrico, Chelsea Five Gastropub and the Golden Dynasty. The hotel has more than 2,300 rooms, with unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean. It also houses an IMAX movie theatre and a venue for music shows and other entertainment.

Tropicana Casino is run by Caesars Entertainment, so visitors who are part of the loyalty program can take advantage of some fantastic promotions. There is no shortage of slots action, with games that start from 1 cent per play to the more expensive games in the High Limit Lounge. If you are one for the tables, then you can play some excellent games. Bring your A-game and try out the fantastic Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Craps at Tropicana in Atlantic City. The casino hosts regular poker tournaments, and you can play all sorts of cash games, including Three Card Poker, Pai Gow and Caribbean Stud Poker. Sports bettors will be more than happy with the panoramic sportsbook at Tropicana. With a 250 square foot odds board and surrounding screens, everywhere you turn you can catch the action.

3. Ocean Casino Resort

Casino Features:

• 130,000 square foot casino
• 1,500 slots
• 125 gaming tables
• Ocean Sportsbook

Ocean Casino Resort is the tallest building in Atlantic City and has 1,900 hotel rooms. At 710 feet high, you can get some epic views of the Ocean, and the resort sits right at the northernmost part of the Boardwalk. The theme is the Ocean, and the complex is packed with exceptional amenities. There are 13 restaurants, including the Linguini By The Srea, Ocean Steak and Amada, where you can let your tastebuds run wild. The Ocean has a large pool complex, so you can dip into the water while you view the Atlantic Ocean; a fantastic treat for any guest. Then, you can catch some top music concerts at the Ovation Hall, where the likes of Maroon 5, Beyonce and Duran Duran have played.

The Ocean Casino used to have more than 2,500 slots, but after its renovations, it cut that number down to over 1,500. It does not feel any less glamorous though, as you can play some of the best titles out there. These include Buffalo Ascension, Coin Trio Piggy Burst, and Tarzan Link – City of Gold. There are loads of table games to explore, including Blackjack, Let It Ride, Mini-Baccarat, Craps and Roulette. Be sure to look out for variants such as High Card Flush, Face Up Pai Gow Poker and Lucky Ladies Blackjack. The Ocean has its own sportsbook, with a robust rewards program that can extend your funds considerably.

4. Caesars Atlantic City

Casino Features:

• 124,000 square foot casino
• 3,400 slots and video poker machines
• 120 table games
• Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Atlantic City opened in 1979 and was inspired by Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It has a Hellenistic theme, combining ancient Romand and Greek designs to create a luxurious, palace-like, complex. The hotel is located on the Boardwalk and has 1,141 rooms. It also has a spa, loads of shops in the Playground Pier, and a string of bars. The Circus Maximus Theater can host up to 1,600 people and has hosted the likes of Carrie Underwood, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie and Tina Turner. Then, you can also check out The Hook, one of the most sensational live shows in Atlantic City. There are some excellent dining options at Caesars Atlantic City, the most famous of which is Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen.

Entering Caesars Casino, you will feel a pulsating burst of adrenaline. The casino is massive and very inviting, with beautiful decor and fittings to make you feel like you are playing in a palace. There is a large diversity of slots and video poker games, which you can play for as little as 1 cent or as high as $100. Jackpot hunters will enjoy the quick hitting jackpots or can try their luck for the mega jackpot prizes. There is also a great range of table games and poker, including Four Card Poker, Pai Gow, Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. Sports bettors will be instantly drawn to the sportsbook. Powered by Caesars Sportsbook, it has a massive range of excellent betting options, especially for American football fans, and a Beer Yourself tap where you can refill your drink.

5. Bally's Atlantic City

Casino Features:

• 83,000 square foot casino
• 1,300 slots
• 80 table games
• Bally Bet Sportsbook

Bally's Atlantic City sits on the Boardwalk, right in the heart of Ducktown, Atlantic City. Originally, the Marlborough House Hotel sat on the site of Bally's. It was relaunched as Bally's Park Place in 1979 and was among the very first casinos to be opened in New Jersey. The resort has more than 1,200 rooms and a range of amenities. You can catch live shows, music concerts, comedy shows and even boxing bouts in Bally's Showroom. The Yard also hosts concerts, both indoors and outdoors, and has a beer garden. If that does not tickle your fancy, then you can try out the Beach Bar, where can lounge outside and drink exotic cocktails whilst watching the sunset. At night, it turns into a thrilling party bonanza.

The video slots collection at Bally's Casino is definitely one to explore. It has a huge range of Asian games and Asian-themed video slots. You can play epic slots such as 5 Dragons, Choy Coin Doa, and Choy Sun Returns, among the numerous Asian slots at Bally's. The casino also boasts the “Best Blackjack in Town”. The tables provide a surrender option, split aces 3x, and quick-hitting progressive prizes through their side bets. It also has a range of Baccarat, Roulette and Baccarat options. The Bally Bet Sportsbook has a great menu, with cheap draft beers and food carts for bigger groups, so you will never go hungry whilst making your match-winning predictions.