What Are the Best 7 Casinos in Las Vegas? (2026 Update)
Even though we love online gambling, we also enjoy playing in a brick-and-mortar casino from time to time. But with so many to choose from in a gambling city like Las Vegas, which ones are the best?
Our favorite casinos in Las Vegas are The Wynn, the MGM, and Ellis Island. Of course, these aren’t the only options, simply our favorites, which we will explain below. Read on to learn more about the best 7 casinos in Las Vegas.
1. The Wynn
The Wynn has long been a fan favorite and has topped charts on websites like TripAdvisor and CNN. Known for its opulence and indulgent restaurants, it also hosts several top-tier clubs and has a wide variety of games. While we love the ambiance of the poker room at the Wynn and the dining there, we do find it expensive to play at their blackjack tables and on their slots. If you are on a budget, we recommend trying one of the other casinos on the list.
2. MGM Grand
What we would call a “middle-class” version of the Wynn, the MGM is widely known for having one of the largest casino floors on the strip, and as such, they have a huge variety in games. No matter what your favorite machine is, you can probably find it here. Not only that, but a room for the night won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and there are both premium and budget food options.
We love the KA Cirque Du Soleil show there, though we do find their other entertainment options (such as their clubs and sportsbook) to be slightly lacking when compared to the Wynn. Still, a decent option for those more budget-conscious gamblers. Plus, their pool is the best, hands down.
3. Ellis Island
We know that even the MGM Grand can be pricey for those who visit Las Vegas regularly, and we understand. For the best money can buy at the absolute lowest price, we recommend Ellis Island.
Do note that Ellis Island is located off the strip, so if you really want the strip experience, you will need to consider a different casino on this list. That being said, their rooms and games are the most affordable we’ve ever found. While their food isn’t top-tier, it is cheap and tasty, and when you are desperate to go back to the $5 tables which aren’t available anywhere else in Vegas, this is the hotel for you. We especially recommend this casino to beer lovers as it doubles as a brewery.
4. The Venetian
The Venetian is a fan favorite, and it often tops charts as people enjoy the food and shopping attached to the hotel. While the rooms are beautiful, we aren’t in love with the Venetian restaurants, and we find the casino floor to be on the smaller side—which is why it scored fourth on our list.
But if you love Italy and truly want to feel like you’re visiting another country, the Venetian is the way to go; just know it tends to be on the more expensive side of the scale for hotels on the strip. We also aren’t in love with their pool or evening entertainment options—often finding them overcrowded.
5. Bellagio
The Bellagio is well known for its opulence, and many celebrities choose to stay there—and it’s easy to see why. The rooms are nice, the casino floor is decent, and if you have a room facing the fountains, you’ll have some excellent free entertainment.
Our main issues with the Bellagio are that it’s expensive and aged. The Bellagio was built by Steve Wynn before he built the Wynn, and we personally think that if you’re going to spend the money to stay in one of Wynn’s properties, it’s better to choose the Wynn than the Bellagio. We do, however, enjoy the amazing food options and evening entertainment at the Bellagio, so if you can get past the dated feel of the interior, it is a good option—especially for poker players.
6. Caesars Palace
Of course, we have to mention Caesars Palace. Often a casino in direct competition with the Bellagio, it offers a massive shopping experience, decent restaurants, and a very famous array of pools for a dip. We love the casino floor at Caesar’s, and they by far have the best sportsbook on the strip, hands down.
Our main issue with Caesar’s Palace is that it is difficult to navigate, but that may just be a us problem. Just be careful trying to get back to your room after a night of drinking! We love Caesar’s evening entertainment options, especially their nightclubs; we merely wish the service was a little better. While you’ll get great service in the restaurants and bars, the hotel often costs as much as the Bellagio with half the staff. But we do love the Nobu restaurant, though, and will likely continue to visit to dine there for many years.
7. Golden Nugget
We know, you expected us to focus on the strip in this article; however, the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas is a real hidden gem. Not only are they more affordable than the strip casinos with a similar level of service, but they are also the only casino with a shark tank pool, which is heated in the winter and open year-round. While the casino is on the smaller side, we still think there are ample options for most gamblers.
The Golden Nugget has okay food options, though you won’t find the same top-tier dining experiences as you would on the strip. Additionally, if you’re coming to Vegas for the nightlife (clubs) or shows, you’ll want to pick a different place to stay. Though you can use Uber to visit the strip and still tuck in at this casino overnight—just a suggestion!
