Atlantic City Vs. Reno Casinos (April 2024)

More times than not, the first city that comes to mind in reference to “gaming capitals of the world” is Las Vegas. Whilst Sin City has some of the most reputable and largest casinos, it is by no means the only gaming destination in the US. It shares the throne of gambling with the cities of Reno and Atlantic City. Though neither has the same prowess as Vegas, in terms of the number of casinos or cultural significance. However, you can find some great establishments in both cities. Whether you are into video slots or want to suit up and hit some fancy gaming tables, Atlantic City and Reno are excellent places to get your game on.

Before heading onto our list of the top Atlantic City vs Reno Casinos, a little background on the two cities is important. Namely, how the gambling scene evolved and how the two gaming cities flourished to become what they are today.

History of Reno

Reno was the original gaming capital in the US. After gambling was legalised in the state of Nevada in 1931, Reno quickly became a hotspot for bettors and gamers. Casinos such as Palace Casino and Bank Club Casino drew gamers in their thousands to Reno. In the 1930s until the 1960s, Reno was the place to be for gamers and bettors. This all started to change in the 1960s when Las Vegas started to rise in prominence and the old casinos were shut down.

The 1970s saw some interest return to Reno, as big investors started opening up their hotels. This interest was vamped up further in the 1980s when New Jersey legalized gambling and Nevada suddenly did not have the monopoly on gaming. In the 21st century, Reno has once again become a hugely popular gaming destination. For some, it is seen as a cheaper alternative to Vegas, for others, it is a place for more serious gamers. Without the gigantic resorts and far less razzle-dazzle, Reno is highly worth a visit.

History of Atlantic City

The history of gaming in Atlantic City began in 1976 when gambling was legalized in the city. This development proved to be massive for the Ocean-side city, as investors flocked to the city to build massive casinos. Within a few years, the gaming scene in Atlantic City would rival that of Las Vegas.

In the 1980s, Atlantic City was the place to be. Legendary boxing fights with Mike Tyson garnered huge interest in the city. So did music concerts featuring the likes of Bob Dyland and the Rolling Stones. Nowadays, the gigantic megaresorts provide excellent amenities and still feature many exciting shows. Most of these are located on the famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. With the chance to stroll beside the Atlantic Ocean and then go inside for a game of slots, the city is hugely appealing.

Top Reno Casinos

Unfortunately, all the original casinos from the 1930s have now closed or are repurposed. The oldest casinos in Reno date back to the 1970s, and there are plenty of exciting new casinos to explore too.

1. Silver Legacy Resort and Casino

Silver Legacy Resort & Casino opened its doors in 1995. The casino has a Victorian theme and is operated by Caesars Entertainment. It includes a hotel with over 1,700 rooms and all sorts of leisurely facilities to create a memorable holiday for guests. The Laugh Factory is a must for comedy lovers, and there is also a famed Laser Light Show. It is also worth trying out the TopGolf Swing Suite, where you can play all sorts of games. These include Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots and the Quarterback Challenge.

The Silver Legacy Casino offers guests a large variety of exciting gaming possibilities. The slot machines scattered across the gaming floor take denominations from 1 cent up to $100 per spin. There are lots of hugely popular slots games, including classics such as Buffalo, Dragon Cash and Buffalo Link. The casino has a special room dedicated to Keno, located on the mezzanine level. Then, you can also go for popular casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Baccarat. For poker buffs, there are cash games of Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker and Pai Gow Poker. Be sure to look for those poker tables with progressive jackpots. As a sports fan, the Silver Legacy Caesars Sportsbook is a must. With betting markets on everything from college football to horse racing, you can go all out on your wagers.

• 89,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,000+ Slots
• 45+ Table Games
• Caesars Sportsbook

2. Peppermill Reno Resort Casino

Peppermill Reno opened as a coffee shop and lounge, in 1971. Since then, the establishment has been expanded numerous times, and now is a full-on casino megaresort. Complete with restaurants, shops, a spa and wellness centre, pools and a 1,600-room hotel, it is the full package. The restaurants at Peppermill Reno are the true definition of fine dining. You can make a reservation at the Bimini Steakhouse, Chi or Romanza, and you will be in for an exquisite meal. If you want something a bit more casual and fun, then head on to the Game Lab, a thrilling gaming arcade full of pinball machines, driving simulators, and many more.

The Game Lab will definitely bring you some nostalgia and is quality gaming, but if you want to play for big money, head on to the Peppermill Reno Casino. The luxurious atmosphere and posh decor is reminiscent of Caesars Palace, Bellagio or any of the finer casinos you can find in Las Vegas. It has a large range of gaming machines, including video slots, multi-game slots, video poker and electronic table games. Those who want to take their gaming to the next level can head over to the high limit slots VIP bar. There is no shortage of table games, including all the casino classics, and a number of exciting variants. Poker players also have their own dedicated lounge and room, where large winnings await. Finally, there is a high-tech Race & Sportsbook, with bets provided by the casino.

• 107,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,700+ Slots and Video Poker
• 45+ Table Games
• Peppermill Reno Sportsbook

3. Grand Sierra Resort

This casino resort has undergone many transitions since it first opened its doors in 1978. At first, the Grand Sierra Resort was known as the MGM Grand Reno. It was then acquired by Bally's, and later Hilton before it was bought by The Meruelo Group. The venue has a lavish hotel with 1,990 premium rooms and a plethora of restaurants. The most famous of these is the Charlie Palmer Steak, where you can eat steak cooked by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer. Grand Sierra Cinema is a speciality that keeps drawing in viewers. It plays feature films that have just left mainstream theaters, at very cheap rates. Then, there is the Grand Bay Driving Range, Fun Quest which includes an escape room and laser tag, and plenty more activities to indulge in.

Grand Sierra Resort offers a generous helping of slots. There are over 1,200 gaming machines that include progressives, standalone jackpot games and thrilling video slots. Then, you can hit the tables and play classic casino games or try your hand at some poker cash games. The top prizes reach the sky in the Infinity High Limit lounge, with games of Baccarat, Blackjack and Pai Gow Poker. The Race and Sportsbook has betting stations, Video Poker counters, and extensive betting markets, powered by William Hill.

• 63,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,200+ Slots and Video Poker
• 45+ Table Games
• William Hill Sportsbook

4. Circus Circus Reno

Circus Circus is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment and puts a carnival twist on your gaming. The resort opened in 1978 and includes a luxury hotel, a string of quality shops, and leisure facilities to unwind at. A lot of these amenities are shared with the neighbouring Eldorado and Silver Legacy Resorts, which are all owned by Caesars. Circus Circus though adds its own twist with its special theme. The Casino cabaret and circus acts liven up this venue, and make it a memorable experience for all. The Cabaret is located near the casino and the Village Bar, a popular place for guests to pick up exotic cocktails. It hosts all sorts of shows, including some local live music and R&B favourites so you can get your dance on.

The casino at Circus Circus has over 1,400 gaming machines. The casino continues the carnival theme, which really lends to the gaming experience. You can really get into a groove on your slots playing, hitting great titles in the Buffalo Grand, Lightning Link and Dancing Drums series. There are countless electronic table games to try out, bringing video Blackjack, Ministar Roulette, Diamond Dice and the Big Six Wheel. The only area where Circus Circus falls short is in its live gaming tables. There are only a handful of tables, but if there is a free seat, it is highly worth jumping in on the action. To top it off, Circus Circus has an epic Race & Sportsbook, with great grub and drinks.

• 66,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,400+ Slots and Video Poker
• 5+ Table Games
• Caesars Sportsbook

5. Eldorado Resort Casino

Eldorado Resort Casino is located in Downtown Reno and opened in 1973. The complex has undergone many transformations, but it remains one of the most popular gaming destinations in Reno. Beer drinkers will appreciate the on-site microbrewery, called The Brew Brothers. At night, this bar turns into a nightclub, throwing unmissable parties. Eldorado also has a showroom, many notable restaurants, and some of the most exciting shows in Reno. The complex also includes a spa and fitness centre, where you can reinvigorate yourself with a good workout or treatment. Then, when you have freshened up, you can head to the boutique shops, including the likes of Swarovski, The Veranda Store and the Gift Shop at Eldorado.

Eldorado Casino, also run by Caesars, specialises in table games. There are options for Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette players, including innovative tournaments and cash prizes. Slots players are not left out at Eldorado Casino, as there are over 1,000 machines to try out. These include popular games such as Starbar, River Dragon and Wicked Wheel. Eldorado features a number of poker games and variants, including progressive poker tournaments. Next to the Eldorado Casino lies the Eldorado Caesars Sportsbook. Filled with legendary betting options and some piquant bites, you can spend many fun hours watching games and placing bets there.

• 78,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,000+ Slots
• 35+ Table Games
• Caesars Sportsbook

Top Atlantic City Casinos

Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, Atlantic City is a prime destination for all holidays. Naturally, Atlantic City draws in far more gamers from the East Coast, as it is a far shorter drive than Reno or Vegas. But both those facts are just the icing on the cake. The city has some of the best gaming venues in the country, and they all sit in close proximity to each other. You can hit any of these casinos, and if you don’t like the games, it is a short walk to the next.

1. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa opened in 2003 and is run by MGM Resorts International. The hotel has more than 2,800 luxury rooms, and guests are more than welcome to try out all the excellent amenities. The spa has some exotic wellness treatments, and you can also take a breather in the outdoor pool, all while taking in views of the Ocean. Borgata includes a Comedy Club, event centre and The Music Box, where you can go to see some great shows. At night, the resort comes alive. With plenty of bars and the Premier Nightclub, the Borgata is the place to be when the sun goes down.

At 160,000 square feet large, the casino has endless spaces and aisles for gamers to explore. There are a whopping 4,000 slots to try out, including games with denominations of 1 cent and those that go up to $500 per play. The gaming tables serve casino staples such as Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette. Poker players are catered for with a variety of tournaments, from those starting at hundreds of dollars to those that will cost a lot more. Finally, Borgata also has a sportsbook that is packed with thrilling bets and exciting promotions.

• 161,000 sq ft Casino
• 4,000+ Slots
• 180 Tables
• Borgata Sportsbook

2. Ocean Casino Resort

Aptly named Ocean Casino Resort, the theme of this establishment is the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean Casino Resort opened in 2012 and is the tallest building in Atlantic City. It sits on the northernmost part of The Boardwalk and has 13 restaurants, a complex of pools and a rooftop deck with a Sky Garden. The Ovation Hall is an entertainment multi-purpose venue at the Ocean. You can regularly catch shows at this 5,500-seater theatre, and the likes of Beyonc, Duran Duran and Maroon 5 have all played there.

The casino at Ocean is not located on the ground floor but on the sixth floor. There are parts of the casino that have views of the Atlantic Ocean, which feels a bit surreal, but pleasant nevertheless. With 2,500 slots, there is an abundance of choice for gamers to pick from. Jackpot hunters can hit the High Limit Gaming lounge, also called The Cove. This area brings you to the heights of luxury, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and loads of games that you can play for huge stakes. The tableside service is unrivalled, with premium cocktails and there are private restrooms. Table game players are similarly blessed with a variety of options, including Blackjack, Craps, Mini-Baccaarat, Big Six wheel and Pai Gow Poker. The sportsbook, powered by Ocean Casino, has loads of bets on all the most popular US major sports.

• 130,000 sq ft Casino
• 1,500 Slots
• 125 Table Games
• Ocean Sportsbook

3. Tropicana Atlantic City

Tropicana Atlantic City has activities for the whole family. It has over 30 restaurants and 30 shops, so you can spend a wild day with big groups, trying all sorts of foods and looking for the shops with the best deals. There is also an IMAX theatre, the Tropicana Showroom, and several pools to busy yourself with. The resort has a relaxed, Old Havana feeling. Though the casino was only opened in 1981, the complex dates back to 1919. It has undergone numerous transitions and renovations, and the final complex you see today definitely has it all.

The casino at Tropicana is similarly eclectic. It features 2,400 slots and 130 table games, which provide all the games you would expect to find at such a large venue. There are tables that provide popular poker variants such as Caribbean Stud Poker, Four Card Poker, Texas Hold'em and Let It Ride. If you want something a little different, you can hit Tropicana's Jade Palace. There, Tropicana provides a whole array of Asian table games, all in the most luxurious of surroundings. The Caesars Sportsbook at Tropicana is a hotspot for all sports lovers. It brings you all the action live, on multiple displays, and one of the most extensive sportsbooks.

• 125,000 sq ft Casino
• 2,400+ slots
• 130+ table games
• Caesars Sportsbook

4. Harrah's Atlantic City

Harrah's Atlantic City is not on The Boardwalk but further back, in the Marina District. It opened in 1980, during the formative years when New Jersey was becoming a powerhouse in the gambling industry. It is one of the tallest structures in Atlantic City and has more than 2,500 hotel rooms. There are tonnes of things to do at Harrah's, from shopping to swimming, DJ parties to celebrity chef dining places, and more. The Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant remains a favourite at the resort, as is Superfrico and Bobby's Burgers. The Broadway by the Bay Theatre is one of the biggest attractions at the resort.

Harrah's has a massive casino, with more than 5,500 slots and video poker machines. It is simply mind-boggling how many games you can try out at this casino. The casino has all the latest games on the market and a great deal of old classics, so even the pickiest gamer will find a handful of games they like. There is some fast paced action at the table games, where you can pull up a seat to games of Blackjack, Craps and Roulette. With plenty of exciting side bets and options, you can put your skills to the test. The sportsbook is not far from the casino, and you can always jump in to watch a game. With a massive theatre and the option to eat whilst watching, it is a truly special experience.

• 177,000 sq ft Casino
• 5,500+ Slots
• 130+ Table Games
• Caesars Sportsbook

5. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

This casino was called the Trump Taj Mahal when it opened in 1990. It cost nearly $1 billion to build, and by 2014 it was brought to the brink of bankruptcy. Fortunately though, Hard Rock International purchased the establishment in 2018 and relaunched it entirely. All the scandals and alleged money laundering crimes that were associated with the previous ownership have now been swept out of sight, and Hard Rock has managed to salvage the building and create a very successful casino. The resort continues Hard Rock's Rock ‘n Roll theme, with Hard Rock memorabilia scattered all over the complex. You can go for rock shows, eat at fine dining restaurants, or go for treatments at the spa. The complex also has a number of shops, including the Hard Rock Store and Rock Store.

Hard Rock knows how to spoil its customers. Slots players have the lion's share of games to pick from, including Buffalo Link, Dollar Storm, Dragon Link and Lock It Link games. There are loads of poker style games, including a number of progressive games. The most popular of these is the Three Card Poker Progressive Jackpot. Fans of Asian games can bring their A-game to the Asian Gaming Room. It is right next to the YouYu Noodle Bar, where you can try authentic Asian dishes. The Hard Rock Sportsbook covers a massive range of sports, but unfortunately, it does not have horse racing bets. However, if you simply want to bet on NFL, NBA, MLB or soccer games, then this is the place to be. Not to mention, you can get some great finger food and beer whilst watching the games.

• 167,000 sq ft Casino
• 2,300+ Slots
• 120 Table Games
• Hard Rock Sportsbook

Conclusion

Both cities have their own perks and unique characteristics. One thing that all gamers can agree on is that both Atlantic City and Reno provide top quality casino games. They may not have the same number of casinos as Las Vegas, but the standard for the casinos is definitely right up there.