Beyond the Vegas Strip: 5 North American Casino Cities on a Roll

Vegas may have the Strip and Atlantic City its boardwalk, but their vice-like monopoly on casino-centric vacations could soon be coming to an end… and it's not just because of the escalating price tag, nor the shocking casino carpets.

Packed full of bucket list experiences, find out why these top North American cities are tapping into the casino-infused buzz that pairs the high-rolling action with world-class dining, entertainment, and citywide attractions.

Ranking North America's Top Casino Cities Outside of Vegas and Atlantic City

No. 5: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Where better to start a short list of the top 5 alternative North American destinations than heading to the beautiful city of Vancouver in British Columbia and the 5-star gem of Parq Vancouver casino. Channeling BC's genuine love of all things sports-related, Parq Vancouver has its very own dedicated sportsbook lounge that boasts a 50-foot screen to watch the action unfold, 9 PROLINE betting terminals, and plenty of delicious gameday eats… and that's before you've even stepped foot on the casino floor to play your way through the recently upgraded 900 slot machines.

Beyond building one of the finest casinos in North America, Vancouver has become a fully immersive sports tourism hotspot, most recently having hosted several FIFA World Cup matches at BC Place, home of the Vancouver Whitecaps, while the NHL's Vancouver Canucks play out of the city's Rogers Arena. We also have to give a shout-out to Vancouver's vibrant year-round international foodie scene, which includes harvest festivals, Christmas markets, and its month-long Dine Out Vancouver Festival - Canada's largest food and drink extravaganza.

No. 4: Detroit, Michigan

In a nutshell, Detroit deliberately took stock of Vegas’ finest qualities before adding an extra layer of luxury on top, all the while making sure to sidestep the soaring cost of visiting and staying in Sin City itself. Among the number of lavish casinos that boast a Motor City postcode, the $800-million MGM Grand Detroit has become a prime destination for casino-themed tourism, which features a prestigious 400-room hotel and its celebrated D.PRIME Steakhouse restaurant onsite, not to mention its 140,000 square feet of gaming space, all in the heart of downtown D-Town.

Outside of Detroit's casino spaces, the city has countless historical museums and landmarks to keep you entertained too - perhaps the most appealing being the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Then once you've explored the energetic downtown hangouts, trade sightseeing for some spectacular stadium seats to cheer Detroit's top teams, which include the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons.

No. 3: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

You only need to stand at the base of the CN Tower to realize that when it comes to building things, Toronto loves to go BIG, so when it came to commissioning a casino at Woodbine Racetrack, they made sure the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto was huge. Home to over 4,800 slot machines and E-tables, 175 table games, and a 5,000-seat live entertainment venue, it's Vegas... but with a Toronto twist.

Granted, with its very own in-house racetrack, the sporting action instinctively starts onsite; nevertheless, the city is also home to former MLS Cup champions Toronto FC, along with other globally recognized sports franchises including the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors. Getting your sporting fix while you're in town is one thing, but with Niagara Falls just over an hour away and more than 48 craft breweries and brewpubs in Toronto itself, you'll find you won't be in a rush to leave.

No. 2: Montreal, Quebec

Sharing Notre Dame Island with F1’s impressive Gilles Villeneuve racing circuit, Casino de Montreal has everything you could possibly ask for from a casino venue. With 500,000 sq. feet of casino floor space, not only is Casino de Montreal Canada’s biggest, but within its stylish exterior, the entertainment value is unrivaled, particularly when coupled with its stellar Le Montreal restaurant’s Quebec-focused seafood and grill, which makes for a very persuasive argument about always dining in. 

Nonetheless, Montreal’s thrills extend well beyond the casino floor, none more so than its exhilarating white-knuckle speedboat rides through the Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence River. Yet, it’s Montreal’s dazzling nightlife that you’ll remember most, given that it is packed with cozy wine bars, endless live music venues, and bustling late-night hangouts that will ensure you get to party long after dark.

No. 1: New Orleans, Louisiana

When it comes to New Orleans’ casino setup, you’ll soon see why NOLA is challenging the old guard establishments of Vegas and Atlantic City for visitor numbers, if only because its fantastic riverboat casinos have actively brought the old-world charm back into casino gaming. That being said, with more than 120 table games, 1,300 slots, and a decked-out World Series of Poker room, Caesars New Orleans Casino has well and truly put New Orleans on the map as a top casino destination in itself.

Ideally located just a short stroll from New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter, when you’re not joining in on the action at the blackjack table or taking a chance on roulette, we recommend heading into town to enjoy the world-class Cajun and Creole cuisine and a Sazerac or three. Of course, you’ll be on to a winner if you can time your trip to coincide with the Mardi Gras festivities, but with a myriad of music bars offering live jazz on tap, you can’t go wrong when you let the good times roll while vacationing in the Big Easy any time of year.

The Bottom Line - New Orleans Is the Hands Down Winner

Undoubtedly, if you’re looking for inspirational destinations that can mix up the energy of a casino-led vacation away with a wildly entertaining city break thrown in, then New Orleans can claim this title with pride. From the superb Caesars New Orleans Casino to a live music scene like nowhere else on the planet, if you’re looking to chance your luck anywhere in North America, then NOLA is the place to be.