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Las Vegas > Casinos

Gambling was legalized in Las Vegas in 1931, but large-scale construction of casinos did not begin until after World War 2, and for many years they were dominated by individual property holders, often with Mafia connections. In recent times, the businesses have been taken over by big conglomerates, many of the older places have been knocked down to make way for huge showy entertainment complexes aimed at attracting the whole family, though the rate of development has now decreased.

The latest demolitions are Boardwalk in 2006, Stardust in March 2007 and New Frontier in November 2007; Sahara may well follow, following its closure in May 2011. The largest of the recent new builds is the CityCenter Resort between Bellagio and Monte Carlo, a collection of hotels, residences, shops and convention space that had an incredible budget of $11 billion; most opened December 2009, and the project was largely completed during 2010. The only major new casino of 2010 is the 2,995 room Cosmopolitan Resort (next to the CityCenter), managed by Marriott Hotels. Some other projects are stalled due to unfavorable economic conditions, including the 5,000 room Echelon (behind Circus Circus), and the 3,800 room Fontainebleau, which was set to contain one of the tallest buildings in town, at 63 storeys.

A summary of the major casinos along Las Vegas Boulevard is given below.

For a selection of more traditional accommodation away from The Strip, see the Las Vegas hotels listings and hotels map.

Las Vegas Strip Hotel Listings
The casinos are arranged by AAA hotel rating, and hence also in order of average room rates. Click on each casino for more details, photographs and hotel reservations.

Las Vegas Casino Map - The Strip
Click each casino for more details

	Year Open	Rooms	Floors
AAA Five Diamond
Aria (City Center)	2009	4,004	60	The massive, $11 billion City Center development includes many retail and entertainment outlets, plus condominium units and three hotels, of which Aria is by far the largest, and its twin towers are the tallest on the Strip
Bellagio	1998	3,993	36	Luxurious, upmarket resort with an Italian theme. An extravagant display of moving water fountains takes place in a 9 acre lake outside, while the interior, set far back from the street, is lavishly decorated and includes sculptures, plants and trees, and extensive use of natural light illumination
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas	2010	2,995	52	The Cosmopolitan is an upscale resort complex with a hotel, casino and condominium, plus many restaurants and a particularly beautiful pool area. The adult-oriented property has no special theme apart from style and luxury, and is marketed by Marriott Hotels
The Palazzo	2007	3,068	53	Companion to The Venetian next door, The Palazzo is an all-suite, high class hotel with modern European style and decor
The Venetian	1999	4,049	40	Constructed on land that used to be home to The Sands, The Venetian offers a truly luxurious experience, with top quality accommodation, dining, shopping, gaming, nightlife and entertainment. Familiar landmarks of Venice are recreated including St. Marks Tower and Rialto Bridge; inside, gondolas cruise along a system of canals past the shops and restaurants
Wynn Encore	2009	2,034	54	Sister hotel to Wynn Las Vegas, Encore offers similarly high-end accommodation in over 2,000 modern suites
Wynn Las Vegas	2005	2,716	50	The huge, curving, glass-fronted tower of Wynn Las Vegas dominates the north end of the Strip, catering to the top end of the market. The many facilities include an 18 hole golf course
AAA Four Diamond
Caesars Palace	1966	3,348	35	One of the most well-known Las Vegas casinos, Caesars features a lavish recreation of Roman life and decor although the exterior is quite restrained and elegant, and covers a large distance along the Strip
Mandalay Bay	1999	4,332	39	The southernmost casino on the Strip, close to Las Vegas International Airport, is a huge resort with a South Sea Island theme, and it offers every conceivable facility including 1.7 million sq ft of event space
MGM Grand	1993	5,044	30	Long considered the largest hotel in the world (until overtaken by the Venetian/Palazzo), MGM Grand is one of the landmarks of Las Vegas; attractively clad in emerald green glass, the hotel is part of a massive complex offering many high quality facilities
The Mirage	1989	3,044	30	A well-known Las Vegas landmark, The Mirage is built in a distinctive Y-shape and features a frequently erupting volcano outside, with waterfalls and tropical island scenery
Monte Carlo	1996	3,002	32	Monte Carlo provides European style and service at mid range prices; the main building is a large, elegant white tower
Paris Las Vegas	1999	2,915	34	This attractive, medium-sized (for Las Vegas), Parisian-themed complex greets guests with a colorful replica of the Montgolfier balloon, close to the Arc de Triomphe, while the Eiffel Tower looms overhead
Planet Hollywood	2007	2,600	38	Formerly the Aladdin casino, the new Planet Hollywood hotel has a lively, hip, modern atmosphere, with themes of film stars and celebrity
Treasure Island	1993	2,885	36	'TI' is a mid range, family-oriented hotel, notable for the free Sirens of TI show staged each evening on a pirate set in front of the hotel, featuring a duel between a pirate ship and a group of attractive maidens
AAA Three Diamond
Bally's	1973	2,814	26	Bally's provides a traditional Las Vegas experience, offering good quality lodging, gambling, dining and live entertainment
Excalibur	1990	3,991	28	A vast, castle-like complex with an Arthurian knight theme, Excalibur is centered on several eye-catching towers which are colorfully lit up at night
Flamingo	1946	3,626	28	Flamingo is the oldest surviving casino on the Strip, offering guests and gamblers a south Floridian experience with a good range of facilities including a 15 acre tropical garden
Harrah's	1973	2,677	35	This popular, mid range, mid price property has a party-carnival motif, and offers all the expected facilities
Luxor	1993	4,408	30	Luxor, the fourth largest hotel in the world, features a large black pyramid topped by a searchlight beaming several miles into the sky; entrance is through a replica of the Sphinx
New York-New York	1997	2,023	47	This modern, vibrant hotel features a replica of the Manhattan skyline including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Grand Central Station, with a 67 mph rollercoaster snaking around the outside
Riviera	1955	2,100	23	Occupying a relatively small site near the north end of the Strip, 'The Riv' appeals more to traditional gamblers, reflecting its long history as one of the select group of casinos frequented by the Rat Pack
AAA Two Diamond
Circus Circus	1968	3,773	35	Circus Circus is an older hotel, though still popular; family entertainment centers on an indoor amusement park with a rollercoaster, plus traditional circus acts performing each night in a large amphitheater.
Sahara (closed 2011)	1952	1,720	27	Sahara survived long after many other famous old casinos were blown up to make room for more modern resorts, but falling revenues finally led to its closure in May 2011.
Stratosphere	1996	2,444	24	At the north end of the Strip, this casino is most famous for its 1,149 foot tower - the highest point in Las Vegas, with a revolving restaurant, a marriage chapel and three open air rollercoasters at the very top
Tropicana	1957	1,878	22	Near the south end of the Strip, Tropicana Resort has been open for business for over 60 years, and is a good choice for traditional Las Vegas entertainment