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Best
Casino
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Las
Vegas
One of gaming’s greatest transformations took
place when Harrah’s poured a few hundred
million dollars into their Las Vegas property. What
was once a claustrophobic, nondescript casino is now
a vibrant, energetic place to play. Spanning more
than 86,000 sq. ft., the Mardi Gras-themed floor features
a fantastic mix of the most popular machines, table
games and live poker. The dealers have consistently
proven themselves to be among the friendliest in the
city, and the ease of the revolutionary Total Rewards
slot club ensures players of all levels are made to
feel like high rollers. More than anything, this is
a comfortable casino in which to play, with a partying
vibe that makes it nearly impossible to have anything
less than a good time.
Second
Place: Bellagio
Third Place: Rio
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Atlantic
City
One of Atlantic City’s most popular casinos, and certainly
tops as far as Casino Player readers are concerned, is Harrah’s.
The colorful marine theme is carried through the casino
floor, beginning with custom carpeting in a tidal pool motif,
and continuing with blue cathode lighting, which simulates
the movement of the ocean. Columns throughout the casino
contain subtle lighting, and feature molded glass kelp leaves
and cast opaline seashells. All of this water design is
home to more than 2,700 slot and video poker machines, as
well 82 table games. A comfortable, casual place to play,
Harrah’s is frequently the first place to find new
slot games.
Second
Place: Taj
Mahal
Third Place: Tropicana
Tunica
Grand Casino’s innovative, multi-themed layout
gives gamblers a variety of environments to play in, without
having to leave the casino. The Mardi Gras casino is probably
the most popular area, with its moody French Quarter lighting,
balconies and murals. This area seems to be home to the
greatest variety of slots, particularly multi-lines in lower
denominations. Opposite the Mardi Gras is the Western casino,
with a sports bar and the largest poker room in Tunica (if
not the state). Square in the middle of these two themes
is the Victorian casino, which features Grand’s sumptuous
high-end slot area and lounge, all the table games, the
central bar and LB’s gourmet steakhouse. The fourth
“casino” is the non-smoking, garden-themed Riverpark,
located on the second level among the restaurants. Over
140,000 sq. ft. of gaming space makes this place a monster
worth taming.
Second
Place: Hollywood
Third Place: Horeshoe
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 Gulf
Coast
It may not be the largest casino on the Gulf Coast,
but as far as Casino Player readers are concerned,
Beau Rivage is certainly the loveliest. Airy,
arched promenades lead guests to over 72,000 sq. ft.
of gaming space, featuring 2,000 of the newest slot
and video poker machines and nearly 100 table games.
The interior design of the casino employs vibrant
jewel tones that keep it alive and exciting. The carpet
has a sapphire background patterned with canary yellow,
tangerine, burgundy and apple green florals. Ceilings
of bleached oak with hand-painted gold leaf trim and
colorful, illuminated canopies bring a sense of class
and coziness to the table game areas. A beautiful
casino that is, like most things at Beau Rivage, very
reminiscent of Bellagio.
Second
Place: Grand
Casino Biloxi
Third Place: Grand
Casino Gulfport
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Laughlin
With its full-length windows overlooking the beautiful Colorado
River and rough-and-tumble Arizona mountains, Harrah’s
is one of the most attractive casinos in the area. Add to
that the flower-draped gazebos that house the table pits,
the partying Mexican decorations and one of the only completely
non-smoking casinos in the industry, and you’ve got
a winner. Plus, this being Harrah’s, the service levels
are top-notch, and the slot mix is totally up-to-date. A
great place to play.
Second
Place: Flamingo
Hliton
Third Place: Colorado
Belle
Reno
The class of Virginia Street, this is one of the nicest
casinos in the state. Reno’s Silver Legacy offers
85,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, with 80 table games, two
keno games and over 2,300 of the newest slot and video poker
machines. Great sports action can be found at the newly
redesigned race and sportsbook, featuring the largest video
wall in Northern Nevada. A brand new, high-end slot area
is a tremendous improvement. All this, in a sparkling clean,
comfortable Victorian setting that has won over many a Vegas
convert.
Second
Place: Harrah's
Third Place: Atlantis
Lake
Tahoe
Newly renovated and very upscale, Harrah’s offers
a great gaming experience in one of America’s most
breathtaking casino jurisdictions. As far as Casino Player
readers are concerned, this is the place to go (when not
skiing, hiking, fishing or boating).
Second
Place: Harveys
Third Place: Caesars
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 Riverboats
The Grand Victoria, in Elgin, Illinois, has over 80,000
sq. ft. of casino space, allowing for some 850 slot
machines, 120 video poker machines and more than 50
table games. The high, 16-ft. ceilings and upscale
“Vegas-style” interior make for a comfortable
gaming environment, spread out over two levels. A
state-of-the-art air purification system eliminates
much of the smoke that is the bane of riverboat casinos.
Since every gambling cruise is usually packed, it
makes good sense to call ahead for ticket reservations.
Second
Place: Horseshoe
Bossier City
Third Place: Harrah's
Joliet
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Native
American
The
sheer volume of the largest casino in the world never ceases
to amaze. With over 315,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, Foxwoods
is well known as the largest casino in the world. But the
6,000 slot machines and 350 table games aren’t all
located in a single, massive casino. Rather, the gaming
is spread out in different areas: some are upscale and themed;
some are surprisingly small and intimate; others are simply
rows of slot machines, where people hunt down their favorites
and settle in for the jackpot. And none of this includes
the 4,000-seat bingo room or the 200-seat racebook.
Foxwoods
has also introduced several high-end players lounges and
private gaming areas, including Club Newport, located just
off the main casino in the Grand Pequot tower. This area
features nothing but high-end table play, in one of the
most elegant environments in the gaming industry.
Second
Place: Mohegan
Sun
Third Place: Soaring
Eagle
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 Best
Vegas Locals Casino
This
is an unusual category, as, by definition, the choices
are limited to only a handful of off-Strip Las Vegas
casinos. However, the locals casinos are well known
for their looser slots, more casual atmospheres and
great values. So much so, that vacationers from across
the nation are quickly discovering them, choosing
them over the larger, more costly megaresorts.
Thus, we felt the locals casinos deserved their own
category. And, as far as our readers are concerned,
Sam’s Town is the winner. Not surprising, considering
that Sam’s Town advertises itself as the spot
“where locals take their friends.” Obviously,
there’s truth in advertising.
The property does, in fact, offer a great gamble in
a friendly, Western environment. There’s a dance
hall, a laser-light show, a state-of-the-art bowling
alley, great restaurants, and the magnificent Mystic
Falls Indoor Park. Plus, the beautifully-appointed
suites are among the best value in town. In the casino,
craps players will love the 100X odds, and slot and
video poker enthusiasts can play all the latest games.
It may not be considered a megaresort, but Sam’s
Town has it all—for a lot less.
Second
Place: Sunset
Station
Third Place: Fiesta
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Best
Of Gaming 2000 Casino Side Continued...
Best Blackjack & Craps
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Games People Play
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