The last time the entire Las Vegas Strip was shut down was 57 years ago, back when then-president John F. Kennedy was assassinated. But in March 2020, casinos closed, and hotels and resorts stopped their operations in light of the pandemic.
The state, which relies heavily on travel and tourism for revenue, then suffered an immense economic loss.
In the year since, online casinos have seen unprecedented growth, with the US online casino market hitting $1.978 billion in value in 2020.
But alongside market size, today’s online gaming portals have also grown in terms of the sheer range of casino experiences available, with the array of live casino games on Gala Casino showcasing exciting new ways to play classics like roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat.
There are even new themed game shows that add new flavor to the casino experience, like Adventures Beyond Wonderland and Deal or No Deal.
Online casinos have indeed thrived over the past year — adding yet another challenge to Sin City’s brick-and-mortar gaming centers.
But in and around the Strip, signs of life are coming back. Since November of last year, casinos have been permitted to operate, but only at a limited 25% capacity.
This was increased to 35% by February, which was again upped to 50% by March. But since June, Las Vegas has completely reopened!
So, if you are planning to go back to playing in Vegas casinos, look no further. We listed down open casinos and what you can expect.
Caesar’s Palace
Caesar’s Palace is a premier site for entertainment. From eating at renowned restaurants like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen to watching A-list musicians and comedians, such as Usher, Sting, and Jerry Seinfield, headline shows at The Colosseum — you will not run out of things to do here!
But if you are up to playing for money, you can visit the Palace’s renowned Race & Sports Book area.
There, guests can place their bets on their favorite sports events and play traditional table games like baccarat and blackjack.
There are also daily No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournaments, with a guarantee of at least $1,000 depending on the time slot you choose.
Bellagio
One of the most popular attractions on the Strip, the Bellagio continues to wow guests with its lavishly decorated structures and jaw-dropping entertainment.
It is home to the iconic water performances of the Bellagio Fountains, and this month, Cirque du Soleil is back with their timeless production, “O,” an exquisite weaving of artistry, romance, and surrealism.
Apart from those, the Bellagio also has a massive poker room called Legends Room, previously called Bobby’s Room.
The place offers the highest-limit poker action on a global level, so it comes as no surprise that professional poker players are regulars in this casino.
In this 7,000-square feet space, you can play different variations of poker, including No Limit Hold’Em, Pot Limit Omaha, and 7-Card Stud.
The Venetian Resort
This Venice-inspired hotel and resort is the seat of an unforgettable Vegas experience, even reigning as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
Aside from its spacious, extravagant suites, spas, and restaurants that offer comfort and culture, you can also enjoy a gondola ride for a discount!
Also, brace yourself for their 4th of July fireworks show and their Independence Day poker tournament!
In fact, the resort just finished hosting another one of their renowned table tournaments, Millionaire Progressive, where a guest took home more than $1.1 million.
When you set foot in Las Vegas, just enjoy yourself!
After all, you do not need to worry about health protocols any more, as fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear masks, and casinos no longer implement social distancing while playing.
You can start with rows upon rows of slot machines, before moving on to more challenging games, like blackjack, craps, and poker.