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Gary Trask

Gary Trask
Gary serves as Casino City's Editor in Chief and has worked as a writer and editor more than 25 years. The Boston native was a member of the Poker Hall of Fame's inaugural Media Committee.

Contact Gary at gary@casinocity.com and follow him on Twitter at @CasinoCityGT.

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Top 10 non-Las Vegas Strip casino resorts

4 Nov 2024

By Gary Trask
The Las Vegas Strip is a mesmerizing stream of gaming, entertainment and extravagance, a glorious 4.2-mile stretch home to some of the largest and most iconic casinos in the world.

But many of Las Vegas's 40+ million annual visitors opt for alternative accommodations to escape the Strip's sometimes chaotic pace and high prices. Booking a stay off-Strip doesn't mean sacrificing a memorable Las Vegas experience. Plenty of properties with a wealth of amenities, entertainment, and dining options rival their Strip counterparts, often with a more relaxed atmosphere and greater value.

This list, based on firsthand experiences, highlights our favorite off-Strip casinos in Las Vegas. Our criteria included the variety of gaming and non-gaming amenities, overall value, and proximity to the Strip.

So, let’s step away from the crowds and check out 10 casinos not on Las Vegas Boulevard that deliver exceptional experiences.

10. Palace Station Casino
Palace Station Hotel and Casino, which Frank Fertitta Jr. opened as The Casino in 1976, underwent a $192 million renovation in 2018. The revamped property now features a sleek, modern exterior, abundant free parking, and completely updated rooms. The expanded casino floor houses 500 new slot machines and a lively bingo room.

Palace Station boasts plenty of non-gaming activities, such as a refreshed pool deck, which offers a daily happy hour, and a Regal Cinebarre Movieplex. Foodies will delight in selection of venues and the Feast Buffet provides excellent value.

While not walkable to the Strip, Palace Station sits just over a mile from the far north end so it’s a very easy and inexpensive Uber ride away.

Must See/Do: The Oyster Bar at Palace Station lives up to the hype. Despite being open 24/7, there's almost always a wait – but it's worth it. Their melt-in-your-mouth oysters and the Shrimp, Crab, and Lobster Combo Pan Roast (a creamy, tomato-based dish with a hint of brandy, made to order right in front of you) is legendary. Throughout the renovation back in 2018, The Oyster Bar remained untouched. It's a classic for a reason.

9. M Resort Spa Casino
Located about 10 miles south of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, The M is the southernmost casino in the Las Vegas Valley. PENN Entertainment acquired M Resort in 2010, marking its entry into the Las Vegas market. Since gaining full ownership in 2011, Penn has continued to invest in and upgrade the property. Late last year, it broke ground on a $206 million expansion project. Expected to be completed next year, it will add a 384-room tower and more than double the resort's capacity.

For now, there are still many features that make The M an attractive non-Strip option, including both high-end and more casual F&B options, a busy entertainment schedule, and a 12,000 square-foot, adults-only pool area called DayDream with an infinity-edge pool.


Must See/Do The M has taken advantage of its proximity to Allegiant Stadium by opening the Raiders Tavern & Grill, a haven for sports fans, especially those of the Silver and Black. The spacious restaurant has two full-service bars and ample seating to catch a game on one of the 45 HDTVs. Raiders memorabilia and decor adorn the walls and the outdoor patio has heaters and TVs for year-round comfort.

8. Ellis Island Casino Hotel & Brewery
There’s a good chance that if we revisit this column in the coming years, Ellis Island, located a block away from the Strip, behind Horseshoe Casino, will rise in the rankings. The privately-owned property recently announced a major $35 million expansion project, which will modernize and enhance its offerings. The renovation will include an expanded gaming floor that will still offer low-limit table games, including $5 blackjack, $5 craps, and $10 roulette. A new center bar, rooftop event space, and refreshed interiors for the Village Pub & Café and the karaoke lounge, which is already a huge draw, will also be added.

The current property is worth a visit, especially if you’re a beer drinker. The Front Yard is a cool, two-story indoor/outdoor venue with an excellent menu of craft beers, an 18-foot big-screen TV, and an open-air second-floor atrium overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

Must See/Do: Locals know the Village Pub & Cafe for its great value, especially the incredible $9.99 Top Sirloin Steak special. This generous meal includes a 10-ounce steak, your choice of potato or rice, garlic green beans, and soup or a salad. All you need to do is sign up for the free Passport Players Club (which also comes with $5 in free play) to unlock this amazing deal. Please let me know if you can find a better value meal in Las Vegas.

7. South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
Owned and operated by the Gaughan family, South Point Casino Hotel offers a mix of Vegas “old school” charm with unique amenities for guests of all ages, including a bowling alley, 16-screen movie theater, spa, lagoon-style pool, indoor and outdoor arenas for events, bingo, and a poker room (one of the few remaining in Las Vegas) that’s open 24 hours and has a robust daily tournament schedule.

There’s also an equestrian center that hosts rodeos, concerts, boxing matches, and college basketball tournaments. South Point’s dining options are varied, with family-friendly venues, a Chinese restaurant, a 24-hour Starbucks, an Oyster Bar, and the legendary $1.50 hot dog cart.

Conveniently located about six miles south of Mandalay Bay, it’s easy to access both Allegiant Stadium and the airport.

Must See/Do: The South Point earned its place among my top 10 sportsbooks in Las Vegas, thanks in large part to the legendary duo of Jimmy Vaccaro and Chris Andrews at the helm.

Unlike many other venues, the sportsbook and racebook are separate, ensuring unobstructed views of the big screens. If you're fortunate, you might even run into Vaccaro himself, a quick-witted and friendly legend of the sports betting industry who's always happy to share an entertaining story from his days at The Mirage, MGM, or Golden Nugget.

6. Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa
The only drawback to Red Rock is its distance from the Strip (a 20-minute drive), but it’s a top-tier Station Casinos property that blends luxury with a relaxed atmosphere.

Dining options range from Italian at Osteria Fiorella to sushi at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, while the guest rooms are sleek and the casino floor is energetic. Red Rock also boasts a bowling alley, movie theater, and ample shopping. Though I haven’t visited the spa, I hear rave reviews about its vast relaxation space, steam room, open-air pool, and Wall Yoga.

Must See/Do: A standout feature at Red Rock is the stunning pool area, which spans three acres and includes multiple pools, private cabanas, and a family-friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a more adult experience (yes, please), there are designated 18+ and 21+ pools available.

5. Plaza Hotel and Casino
With its rich history and unique amenities, the Plaza Hotel and Casino embodies the vintage charm of Downtown Las Vegas. Located at Main Street and Fremont Street Experience, it’s prime for people-watching and has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, most notably the Martin Scorsese masterpiece, Casino.

The casino is home to Brian Christopher Slots, a smoke-free gaming space. The Plaza also hosts a variety of events, including bingo, rodeos, and fireworks shows. Guests can enjoy a retro-themed pool, free pickleball lessons, and towering murals by renowned local artists. Don't miss Pinkbox Doughnuts, with its 70+ varieties of delicious treats. The Sand Dollar Lounge, an offshoot of its original namesake just off the Strip, is the place for live music and the new Carousel Bar, featuring a 14-foot showgirl named Ginger (Sharon Stone’s character from Casino), adds a nice outdoor locale for a cocktail.

Must See/Do: Even before its recent revamp, Oscar's Steakhouse was a “must-visit.” Inside a stunning glass dome, this restaurant is named after legendary Las Vegas mayor and former mob lawyer Oscar Goodman.

The walls are adorned with memorabilia, showcasing Goodman alongside fellow icons, martini always in hand. But Oscar's isn't just about the ambiance; the food and service (ask for bartender extraordinaire Chelsea) are top-notch. The Happy Hour, one of the best in Vegas is available seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. I highly recommend the No Nose’s Meatballs (they add a touch of veal to give it sweetness) with a Caesars Salad (homemade dressing) and a glass of red.

4. Tuscany Suites and Casino
The Casino City team has annually made Tuscany Suites and Casino – or “The Tusk” as we fondly call it – our home away from home when we hit Las Vegas for the annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E), thanks to its affordability, convenient location near the Strip, and proximity to the airport. The rooms are spacious with a cozy sitting area, a work desk, fridge, and coffee maker—amenities that are increasingly rare in many hotels.

While the casino is mostly for locals, the dining is fantastic, with PUB 365 for casual meals, Caffè Bottega for morning espressos, and a scenic outdoor seating area around the pool. The Piazza Lounge’s outstanding happy hour offers “The Largest Martinis in Las Vegas” at half-price from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. so we always find ourselves bellying up at the bar post-conference and pre-dinner.

Must See/Do: The rebranded signature restaurant, Bistecca, rivals any Italian steakhouse on the Strip at a more reasonable price. If you’re lucky, Kevin might be your server, showcasing his Tableside Caesar Salad skills (the homemade dressing is out of this world), and for an entree you won’t go wrong with the Veal Osso Buco (braised bone-in veal shank) or the Chicken Piccata.

3. Durango Casino Resort
I’ve visited Durango twice since it opened in November 2023 and it’s become one of my favorite resorts in Las Vegas, not just off the Strip. Though a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth the 15–20-minute drive. Station Casinos did an amazing job designing this sophisticated, light-filled resort with floor-to-ceiling windows and bright decor.

Durango features an elegant 83,000-square-foot casino, over 200 guestrooms and suites, a luxurious pool with cabanas, outdoor social areas, and free parking. I absolutely love the 25,000-square-foot “Eat Your Heart Out” food hall, a mix of iconic brands like Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza alongside local favorites.

Must See/Do: The property’s STN Sportsbook is a game-changer. It's easily a contender for a top 5 spot on my "Top 10 Sportsbooks in Las Vegas" list, which I wrote before the opening of Durango.

This 10,000-square-foot space is designed to perfection. Every vantage point offers incredible views of the six colossal screens and the double-sided oval video wall. Adjacent to the book is The George Sportsmen's Lounge, and a lively outdoor patio complete with its own set of wrap-around LED screens where you can enjoy fresh air, and your favorite beverage, all while catching the games on a massive screen.

2. Circa Resort & Casino
Kudos to owner Derek Stevens for bringing his vision to life with the opening of this $1 billion masterpiece during COVID-19, becoming the first ground-up destination in Downtown Las Vegas in 40 years. This adults-only resort is an architectural marvel. The two-story casino is always pulsating. Mega Bar is the longest indoor bar in Nevada, with flair bartenders and an endless selection of beers. Circa's culinary scene is impressive, from the classic deli fare at Saginaw's Delicatessen to the upscale steakhouse experience at Barry's Downtown Prime, there's something for everyone’s pallet and wallet.

The three-story sportsbook, featuring the "biggest screen in sportsbook history" and the hopping Overhang Bar, has set a new standard in the industry while The Legacy Club, a stunning rooftop lounge on the 60th floor, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding mountains.

Circa recently expanded its hotel offerings with the addition of 106 new rooms and suites, located in the resort's remarkable 458-foot tower and increasing the property’s total room inventory by 20 percent.

Must See/Do: The crown jewel of Circa is undoubtedly Stadium Swim, a multi-tiered pool amphitheater that operates year-round. With its massive LED screen, swim-up bars, and luxurious cabanas, there’s no better place in Las Vegas (or the world?) to spend an entire day watching and betting on sports.

1. Palms Casino Resort
Ever since Palms Casino Resort reopened in 2022 as the first Native American-owned casino in Las Vegas, it has become one of my favorite destinations in all of Las Vegas. Purchased for $650 million by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the tribe has invested heavily in the property, focusing on exceptional customer service and a diverse range of amenities while catering to locals.

The property’s location – about a mile off the Strip, just past Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – is super convenient. While you are close to iconic casinos like Bellagio and Caesars Palace, you can also avoid the hustle and bustle of the Strip if you want to get to Downtown Las Vegas, the airport, or Allegiant Stadium.

The Greek-inspired pool area is now home to Sammy’s Island, a creation of legendary rocker and personal favorite, Sammy Hagar. The cozy William Hill Sportsbook, which made its way onto my Top 10 list of Las Vegas Sportsbooks and the 3-to-2 blackjack tables are rare finds, and the dining is diverse, from fine steaks to the A.Y.C.E. Buffet. The Pearl Theater hosts an impressive lineup of shows, especially for a child of the ’80s like me, and the popular Unknown Bar is a great central gathering spot, famous for its striking shark sculpture.

And don’t forget the renowned Ghostbar, an iconic ultra-lounge, perched high on the 55th floor, which first made its mark in 2001 and has some of the best views of Las Vegas with the Red Rock mountains to the west, the shimmering lights of Downtown Las Vegas to the north, and the dazzling Strip seemingly within arm's reach to the east.

Must See/Do: Scotch 80 Prime, recognized as one of the best steakhouses in Las Vegas by GAYOT, offers an unforgettable culinary experience when it comes to the quality of food, ambiance and service.

The Social Hour Menu is available Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and allows you to indulge in $8 glasses of wine and cocktails and over a dozen heavily discounted apps, entries and sides, such as a $45.50 Filet Mignon (regular price $65), a $37.80 Chilean Sea Bass (regular price $54), or a $36 New Zealand King Salmon (regular price ($52).
 
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