Five Gambling Getaways that Won’t Break the Bank

When planning a vacation there are so many things to take into consideration. How long can you get away for? How far are you willing to travel? Are you traveling with family or friends? Are you looking for a city break, dreamy oceanside resort, action-packed adventure, or a ‘get away from it all’ break in the mountains? 

How do you want to travel?

What’s your chosen form of transportation? Plane, coach, train, or automobile? Perhaps the most burning question for anyone who enjoys a flutter, is where are the gambling getaways that won’t break the bank?

Before looking at specific destinations there are a few general rules that you can apply to your plans that should keep the costs down and leave you more money to play with. If you can travel out of season, off-peak and avoid the destinations that everyone wants to go to. If you are going on a short break, can you avoid the weekend? 

Accommodation and travel are usually cheaper Monday to Thursday, and you might find yourself some great bargains.

Think about where you stay. A hotel is generally going to be more expensive than a hostel or Airbnb. If you are flying, find the cheapest flights using an online travel company such as SkyScanner to get the best deals.

Wherever you are staying, avoid the main strip for places to eat. Look out for great backstreet café’s where the locals eat or dip into some street food. 

Now thinking about where to go, it’s too easy to automatically think of the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas, but there are plenty of other destinations for the more adventurous traveller. We’ve got some ideas and you can try out these destinations. 

Route 66

Are you drawn to the romance of the road trip on Route 66? Ok, we know that you can no longer drive from Chicago to Los Angeles. In fact, we know that large chunks of it have been integrated into the interstate highways or closed altogether. That doesn’t need to stop you indulging yourself in some nostalgia. It’s your vacation, dream to your heart’s content.  85% of the route is still drivable so just pick a section and enjoy. 

Of course, no gambling break on this iconic highway would be complete without a stopover at Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This really is the place to get your kicks. The Casino has over 700 slots and, as well as high stake machines, you can play with pennies, nickels, and quarters. If slots aren’t your thing there are table games and bingo to enjoy. 

Atlantic City

Thinking of a City Break? Think about Atlantic City with its boardwalk and beaches. In the States, there isn’t another gambling resort that offers you ocean views. There are so many casinos here to choose from, the largest being Borgata. For an alternative twist The Hard Rock is set on 17 acres with an incomparable music vibe, plus 2,200 slots, 120 table games and the recently included SportsBook. In addition, you can find live music and a spa.

Cancun, Mexico

If East Coast beaches aren’t warm enough for you, you could head down to Cancun in Mexico for a sun-drenched vacation. Back in the seventies, this was a sleepy fishing town, but it is now a huge resort with a downtown area of markets and local cantinas (remember your money will go further here for eating out or even staying) and the hotel zone where you will find the casinos. Gambling was illegal here until 2010 so it’s all new and exciting. Take your pick from The Red Casino at Grand Oasis, The Dubai Palace, The Casino Palace or The Royal Yak Casino and Sportsbook.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Too hot down there for you? Perhaps you’ll find this gem in the Pocono mountains Pennsylvania more to your taste. What started life as an eight-room mountain lodge in 1898 was rebuilt in 2007 and re-opened as the Mount Airy Casino Resort. There are Blackjack, Craps, and Baccarat tables alongside 1800 slot machines. As well as bars, restaurants, and fabulous nightlife, there is also an 18-hole golf course.

Shreveport, Louisiana

Shreveport in Louisiana offers a totally different experience. Here you will find the casinos located on riverboats. Casinos were required to be located on ships when gambling was not permitted on land. In 2001 the rules changed which now allows the boats to remain dockside, but the casino floors must still be over the water. The boats are required to keep mariners on the staff and all boats must have an operating paddle wheel. This will be a memorable experience with the feel of the Old South.

As well as five riverboat and one racetrack casino there are so many other exciting things to do. It’s easy to bring the kids along. Your family can enjoy Gators and Friends Adventure Park. You could even take a zip-wire over the lagoon full of alligators or try go-kart racing. 

There are so many great getaways to choose from. It just takes some planning to make sure you get the best deals. If you are lucky, you might find your winnings fund your next vacation. Good luck and travel well.