The Best of the Strip: Casinos You May Not Have Heard Of

by Bodog Casino | Oct 15 2009

If you've been to Vegas, you know what to expect from "The Strip." A never-ending sea of pop-culture casinos: that building that goes on forever (Caesar's Palace), that building covered by a super-sized Donny and Marie (Flamingo), that building that looks like a castle from Cinderella (Excalibur), and that building that God feels is worthy of his heavenly light (Luxor).

These are all places you think of when buying your plane ticket, but you don't have to stay in the same casino every time you plan a trip to the strip. There are some hidden gems out there that'll give you some Vegas nostalgia or give you something new to stumble into at 6 a.m.

Slots-A-Fun
Sick of being swallowed by all the towering casinos on the strip? Then we suggest checking out the strip's little cousin, Slots-A-Fun. It's the smallest casino on the strip but trust us when we say you'll have slots-o-fun inside (who could resist using that lame pun). With cheap tables games like $1.00 blackjack and $0.50 roulette you'll have slots-o-chances to win slots-o... OK, we'll stop now.

Aria
Gonna party in Vegas come the new year? Then you need to book a room at the resort and casino coming soon to the strip, Aria. Sin City lovers should always check out the new casinos on the block, because it's part of the Vegas culture to top the competition when building a new casino. Expect state-of-the-art spas and nightclubs, and rare artwork and restaurants from chefs you thought you'd never see in Vegas.

Oh and Cirque du Soleil is working on an Aria-only show that uses Elvis' musical catalogue. Weird idea? Yes. But don't tell us you're not intrigued to see how they pull this off.

O'Sheas
This spot has everything you want from your stereotypical Irish pub, but done in a casino: green everywhere, a winking leprechaun, and beer, lots of beer. The casino made the 2001 Edition of the Guinness Book of World Records by having 220 patrons contribute to the largest crowd to participate in a nationwide toast. Supposedly over 300,000 thirsty adults contributed. As you have probably figured out, this is a great place to enjoy some casino gaming and have a drink.

Casino Royale
No, it's not that Casino Royale but feel free to tell your friends you took out Le Chiffre at this spot. Although this place is considered a "low rollers" hotel and casino, play your cards right and you'll be stackin' chips with the big boys. Check out the craps tables and you'll be shocked to find out that they pay 100 to 1! Good luck finding odds like that anywhere else.

Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon
If you've been an online poker player all your life and are looking to get into playing some live games with people other than your drunken friends, Bill's Gambling Hall is a great place to check out. It's known for having the cheapest game of poker on the strip with $0.50 and $1.00 no-limit Texas Holdem.