Casinos in North Las Vegas - Find Casinos Near You in North Las Vegas

North Las Vegas Casinos: The Basics

Expert's Advice: What to Expect During Your Trip

North Las Vegas casinos can be an ideal basecamp for visitors who want to experience all that the Las Vegas metro region has to offer, but also want to save money on essentials like hotel rooms, meals, and other amenities. 

The casino action here is excellent too, especially since all North Las Vegas casinos offer lower table minimums than average, even as low as $1.

Video poker and slot machines are geared towards average working-class people.

In short, you won't find astounding water fountain displays, reproductions of the Eiffel Tower, and fancy showrooms with world-class entertainment here.

While hotel rooms on the Strip can easily run $500 a night (or higher), especially on busy weekends, a nice clean hotel room in the North Las Vegas city limits typically costs less than $100, and sometimes much lower.

North Las Vegas is a great place to stay if you're on the lookout for a cheap place to crash, eat a tasty $12 steak dinner, drink beer and cocktails (often for free), and get more bang for your gambling dollar.

Planning Your North Las Vegas Casino Trip

We've already discussed North Las Vegas' undeniable advantages in affordability.

Now, let's decide what to do and see, and start planning a trip to find the best North Las Vegas casinos near you.

First of all, North Las Vegas is the furthest major casino area away from Harry Reid International Airport, which is the common arrival point for most out-of-state visitors. 

It's about 12 miles (or 20 km) from the airport to the North Las Vegas civic center. 

You'll also likely need a rental car, unless you want to use ride share options, which are primarily dominated by two companies - Uber and Lyft. 

There is a city bus line along Las Vegas Blvd. (the Strip extends into North Las Vegas).

See more details about ground transportation in a special section about using cars and buses to get around North Las Vegas.

What North Las Vegas does have:

• lots of affordable hotel/casinos and slot parlors
• a more ethnic feel and vibe (and many festivals geared to locals)
• convenience to Downtown Las Vegas (including the Fremont Street Experience) and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• easy accessibility to the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe reservation, which sells cheap cigarettes
• several marijuana and cannabis dispensaries (now legal and licensed in Nevada)
• the biggest flea market in the state (an outdoor bazaar that sells just about everything)

What North Las Vegas does not have:

• lots of fancy restaurants
• headliner entertainers and world-class shows
• luxury shopping
• safe walking areas and good outdoor activities
• great swimming pools
• high-end nightclubs

Making advance travel reservations online is always recommended, especially if you're visiting North Las Vegas for the first time. 

Most hotels/casinos have accurate photos of each property, which should be browsed thoroughly to make sure you know exactly what you're getting. 

User and critics’ reviews can also be quite helpful when planning your trip.

Tips on Local Transportation

Advance planning and a bit of knowledge can go a long way. 

Planning properly should enable any visitor to find a good deal on a rental car. Weekly deals tend to be better bargains if you're staying that length of time. However, getting around by car has become much more expensive in recent years. 

That's because the most popular casinos on the Las Vegas Strip now charge customers for parking. Rates can be very expensive, even exceeding the cost of your daily rental. 

So, be sure to budget for parking fees if you plan on driving to most well-known casinos.

The good news about North Las Vegas is, none of the casinos here charge for parking. Hooray! That's more money to eat tasty food and gamble with.

It's also possible to rely exclusively on the city's 24/7 bus service that runs every few minutes northbound and southbound along the busy Las Vegas Strip. 

However, let's also be clear: This option is recommended only for the most adventurous travelers. City buses are not luxurious.

Then, there's always rideshare which is a wiser option here in many parts of North Las Vegas, even more so than the more crowded casino districts. 

Sometimes, it's much faster and easier to get a rideshare in North Las Vegas than elsewhere because so much of the rest of the city is now perpetually clogged with road closures and heavy traffic. 

You won't have this problem in North Las Vegas.

Expert's Pick: Las Vegas Neon Museum

Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps, and the night made many neon lights famous. 

Since casinos opened nearly a century ago, neon signs have been one the trademarks of the city's robust energy and gambling life. 

Many of these old neon signs are icons. 

A few examples include:

• the signage from Binion's Horseshoe
• the Pioneer
• the Golden Nugget 

And so many other legends. 

As Las Vegas grew and changed, however, many of those landmarks outlived their practical use and were removed. 

Fortunately, they were also preserved and given an opportunity to continue shining and dazzling visitors, this time in a museum.

Very near to Downtown Las Vegas (walking distance, in fact) and just on the other side of the main freeway which becomes North Las Vegas is the famous Neon Museum. 

This spot has become a widely popular destination for everyone, including locals and tourists alike. 

You can make a walking tour on your own and see the neon signs. 

However, we strongly recommend paying a few dollars extra and taking the fully guided (and narrated) tour, which takes place at night. 

While you can visit the Neon Museum in the daytime, it's best to see these treasures as they once were in all their glory, which is after sundown. 

Most nights during the warmer months, the museum is open until midnight. 

There are even cocktail tours, package tours, and other ways to have fun and learn about the amazing history of Las Vegas.

We love this place! Be sure to check it out.

Latina Life in North Las Vegas

North Last Vegas has a vibrant Hispanic culture and many wonderful people of Latino heritage live and work here. 

So, they also play here, too. 

Accordingly, a casino was recently refurbished and caters specifically to this clientele. It's called Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Y Casino.

Previously known as “The Lucky Club Casino," new ownership took over and rebranded the attraction to give the Latino community something special and a place to call their own. 

This destination is even becoming popular with visitors, mostly from California. In fact, this is the first-ever fully Latino-themed casino in the United States.

When it first opened in early 2023, the casino's new motto was: "Behind the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, stands a large Hispanic community. Now this very community will have a space that is culturally their own."

That says it all, really. 

We wish Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Y Casino much success and we encourage visitors to check it out and order a cerveza (or two).

The 6 Best North Las Vegas Casinos Not to Miss

Here are the top 6 casinos you shouldn't miss out:

1. Aliante Casino Hotel Spa

Nestled in the shadows of the foothills of the Sheep Mountain Range, the Aliante mega-resort offers a perfect blend of elegance, luxury, and relaxation.

It's North Las Vegas' swankiest casino. With nearly 2,000 slot and video poker machines, a wide variety of table games, and a luxurious spa, Aliante caters to both gamblers and those who just want a getaway.

Owned and operated by Boyd Gaming (which means rewards programs are shared within all Coast properties) the resort has everything for the visitor, including an excellent variety of restaurants.

Be advised Aliante is the furthest casino to the north. Hence, it's 35 miles from the airport and 18 miles to Downtown Las Vegas.

2. Cannery Casino Hotel

The Cannery Casino Hotel is fun and it's almost always busy. It's arguably the most popular hangout in North Las Vegas. 

Plan your visit - and see why. A touch of vintage charm awaits with plenty of things to do inside and one of the best Italian Restaurants in North Las Vegas (Vino's). 

With a focus on a retro aesthetic, this casino offers a diverse gaming floor and a lively atmosphere. From plenty of table games (blackjacks, craps, etc.) and classic slot machines to modern video poker (1,650 machines in all), visitors can enjoy a wide variety of gaming options. 

The casino frequently hosts live entertainment, as well, adding to its vibrant appeal. 

Weekend shows often include classic rock acts and performers you may even know but will pay only a fraction to see compared to the major shows on the Las Vegas Strip which cost hundreds of dollars. 

Let’s put it this way – the Cannery is one of our favorite spots in the entire Las Vegas metro area.

3. Jerry's Nugget Casino

Jerry's Nugget holds a special place in the hearts of locals, having been a part of the North Las Vegas community for many decades. 

This no-frills casino is beloved for its friendly staff, affordable gaming options, and classic diner-style restaurant. 

While it might not have the flashy lights of the Strip, Jerry's Nugget exudes a sense of authenticity that draws visitors back time and again. 

Check out the Jerry's Nugget Bakery, which makes fresh cakes and pastries daily. It's a local's favorite (Note: no hotel)

4. Poker Palace Casino

The best "dive" casino in the city. It's a throwback to the "sawdust joints" of old. There's no other way to accurately put it. Here. the drinks are stiff. 

The beer is served ice cold. The service comes with a smile. 

Moreover, you're likely to see some interesting characters in here, and some of them are on staff! Try the $13 steak dinner, which alone is worth the trip. 

The Poker Palace also boasts a (drum roll, please)….a poker room! It’s usually just a table or two, but it’s quite an experience to play in the game. (Note: no hotel)

Question: Where else can you eat a hearty steak dinner, drink a couple of cold beers, and playing in a poker tournament for less than fifty bucks?

Answer: Only at the Poker Palace.   

5. Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino

Santa Fe Station brings a touch of southwestern charm to North Las Vegas, though technically it's located just across the city boundary in the northwest section of Las Vegas, better known as Centennial Hills. 

This is the closest Las Vegas hotel and casino to Mount Charleston, a very popular alpine-like getaway which is about an hour's drive away. 

This sprawling resort boasts a spacious casino floor with all the popular table games, including a sportsbook and poker room. 

Santa Fe Station also offers a bowling alley, a multi-cinema movie theater, and many excellent dining choices. 

This destination appeals to both locals and visitors.  It's part of the "Stations" rewards network, which also owns and operates Red Rock, Palace Station, (soon to be) Durango Station, and others.

6. Silver Nugget Casino and Jefebet Events Center

When you think of "Old Las Vegas" (and that's meant as a compliment), brick and mortar places like the Silver Nugget instantly come to mind. 

The Silver Nugget Casino was built in 1964 and is a longtime survivor from the earlier pioneering days of Las Vegas gambling. 

Everything on the outside may have changed, but the inside remains pretty much as it was.  

The casino has 310 slots, video reels, video poker machines, a bingo hall, and a busy sportsbook. 

The casino's cozy diner is a favorite spot for comfort food, dishing out meals that are cheap and fill you up. 

Adjacent to the casino floor is one of the largest public arenas in the city, which often hosts music and cultural events, as well as private functions including wedding and business conventions.  

(Note: There is no hotel)

Best Casino Restaurants and Dining Options

Let's be direct here. Most good restaurants are inside the casinos, that is, unless you're in search of fast food or something ordinary. 

North Las Vegas tends to be a place for comfort food and taco trucks, with plenty of classic diners and coffee shops, as well. 

That said, it also has some excellent restaurants you may want to try. 

Here's our choices:

Fancy Dining

• MRKT (inside Aliante Casino) - Most mega-resorts have a reliable steakhouse, and this is one of the better casino-restaurants in the city, and arguably the best upscale spot in North Las Vegas. Steak, seafood, continental cuisine, and vegetarian dishes are standard menu options. However, MRKT is always dependable in quality and service. Reservations recommended.

• Vino's Ristorante (inside Cannery Casino) - Fancy dining as casual prices. This has been a longtime favorite with locals and is one of the best bargain Italian restaurants in the Las Vegas area. Cozy and comfortable, with a pizzeria next door. Highly recommended as a great early dining option (around 5 pm daily).

• Santa Fe Station (all restaurants) - Pick anything in here....they're all good. The Charcoal Room (steak), Brass Fork (bistro), Leticia's Cocina & Cantina (Mexican), and The Oyster Bar (seafood) are terrific dining choices.

Casual Dining

• Maddy's Paddy's Cafe (inside Poker Palace Casino) - Good inexpensive breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  The steak and baked potato special (for $13 as of summer 2023) is a bargain. The Prime Rib ($14) is also worth trying. Cakes and pies are often on special for $1 and $2.

• Juan's Flaming Fajitas - Locally-owned Mexican fare, with a new third location in North Las Vegas after the other two restaurants proved to be so popular. Fast, friendly-service, outstanding and affordable Tex-Mex with fresh ingredients. Daily specials on most food and drinks. One of the best Mexican restaurants in the entire city.

• SNS Diner BBQ - This is a local's favorite. SNS is both a dine and and drive-thru joint with excellent barbecue, burgers, and hearty food for hungry appetites. You'll need a car to get here.  

Critic's Choice: Something a Little More Eccentric

Since many parts of North Las Vegas have a thriving Latino culture, the best taco trucks in the city are located here. 

Don't be fooled by "meals on wheels" and the apparent informalities.

Taco trucks are a highly competitive business. 

The businesses take great pride in their food. In fact, visitors from all over come to try out the fare (usually hand-made tacos with various toppings). 

Three street tacos for $10 is a popular option. Some even offer sidewalk seating. Be on the lookout for taco trucks at or near the Las Vegas Neon Museum. 

They're usually positioned in the busier districts with lots of walking street traffic.

A Few Words About Car Races and "EDC"

In the furthest corner of the Las Vegas valley away to the northeast along the highway leading towards Utah is a mammoth auto racing complex known as the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

This sprawling 1,200-acre complex of multiple tracks designed for motorsports attracts NASCAR, drag racing, and many other major events. 

The 80,000-seat capacity makes the complex the largest sporting venue in Nevada.

When major car races are in town, life in North Las Vegas changes. Since it's much closer to the track than other resorts, most hotels fill up fast. 

Traffic can also be a serious problem.

However, when the Electric Daisy Carnival Festival happens (usually in mid-May), nearly everything in the area comes to a standstill. 

The 3-day music festival is held right on the racetrack grounds, and typically runs from sundown until sunrise over a weekend. 

Local highways have been known to turn into parking lots. Three-hour commutes are not unusual. 

So, be advised that "EDC" is a game changer for tourism, especially in North Las Vegas. 

This also applies to auto races, though they tend to run a bit smoother.

That said, if you ever come to the area specifically for "EDC," it's far better to stay much closer to the speedway in North Las Vegas simply because it's closer and you'll waste less time sitting in traffic on the highway.  

The Great Mystery of Shadow Creek

To say that Shadow Creek, a lusious golf course, is an outlier within the grittier North Las Vegas would be an gross understatement. 

Drive beyond the industrial warehouse district towards the gradual slope and you'll see a most unusual sight. 

Imagine suddenly coming upon a vast meadow of emerald green in the middle of a desert. Tall pine trees. 

A creek with cool running water. 

Fresh lakes. A massive concrete and metal wall, with surveillance cameras to keep outsiders away.

Hey, what's going on inside?

This is the great mystery of one of the world's most exclusive golf courses, known as Shadow Creek. It's a secluded and mega-private 18-hole golf course in North Las Vegas owned by MGM Resorts International.

When Tiger Woods comes to Las Vegas, he often plays at Shadow Creek. So does Phil Mickelson. Presidents and ex-Presidents and foreign dignitaries have played here. 

Casino titans. CEO's. The richest of the rich. Rumor has it, they like to gamble on golf here, as well (surprise).

The views are amazing, and the golf is fantastic - or, so we've heard. We've never played here, nor been invited. Shadow Creek is open to guests if you can afford it. 

We didn't ask the price. After all, if you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it.

North Las Vegas Gambling Laws and Regulations

All North Las Vegas casinos strictly enforce the legal gambling age restriction, which is 21.  This applies to all casinos in Nevada - including Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. 

The gambling laws and regulations are enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), which is the state-run government agency involved in oversight and law enforcement, along with the Nevada Gaming Commission. 

The headquarters of this large agency is even located in North Las Vegas. While most big casinos are owned and operated by large corporations, which are publicly traded companies, most North Las Vegas casinos are considerably smaller.  

Many are privately owned and run. Nonetheless, they all follow gaming regulations strictly to the letter of the law.

Also note that North Las Vegas is an independent city. It has its own police force, fire and ambulance service, local laws, and oversight.

However, casinos here are every bit as well run and safe as any mega-resort on the Strip.

Conclusion

While the fabulous Las Vegas Strip usually takes center stage, North Las Vegas casinos (and elsewhere, including Henderson) do offer many surprises and lots of fun stuff to do. North Las Vegas is a can be a vibrant gaming experience well worth exploring. 

From modern resorts with all the luxurious amenities to nostalgic establishments that have stood the test of time....to ethnic festivals and special events, 

North Las Vegas provides a diverse array of options for those seeking to test their luck and broaden horizons.

Whether you're a seasoned gambler or are just looking for a fun time and a new experience, the  North Las Vegas casinos and many attractions of will welcome you and are very likely to be the cheapest options within the greater Las Vegas area.