Travel

10 Sin City-Worthy Alternatives That Include Fun AND Beauty

If you wanna have some fun on your next trip but Vegas is different from your style, you may love these Sin City-worthy alternatives instead!

Just imagine: You want to get your entire group of friends together to have some fun and indulge in everything Sin City offers. But wait, the airfare and accommodations along the Strip are incredibly pricey.

Then again, maybe you’ve been to Vegas many times throughout your life and are seeking a new place to explore. So where should you go?

Beyond the iconic Las Vegas Strip and its famed spots, there are many charming cities that offer beautiful scenery and a twist on the gaming experience.

So, on that note, here are 10 lesser-known Sin City-worthy alternatives where picturesque beauty meets gaming excitement, and discover a new favorite spot for your next trip.

Photo by Paolo Costa at Shutterstock

Niagara Falls, New York

There are lots of stunning destinations in the US, and Niagara Falls is a “Must See Place” at least once in a lifetime.

For one, this Sin City-worthy alternative is home to one of the world’s most famous and breathtaking waterfalls, which has lured vacationers from different corners of the globe.

But even though it’s among the most popular cities in the state of New York, Niagara Falls is a lesser-recognized casino destination.

Travelers can enjoy games in Seneca Niagara Casino, which guarantees amazing memories, thanks to various experiences, including luxurious amenities, delicious dining, and fun shopping.

St. Louis, Missouri

Well-gifted with an arts scene, outstanding restaurants, state-of-the-art bars, and gaming experiences, this Sin City-worthy alternative is your new gateway to fun. Visitors enjoy riding to the top of the famous Gateway Arch, where they can take in the magical view of the city.

Another place worth checking out is the fishy, furry, and flying creatures at Saint Louis Zoo. On the other hand, if you’re more of a thrill seeker, you can board the St. Louis Wheel and watch the spectacular view of the iconic St. Louis skyline.

New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA is one of the most stunning places to visit in our nation and has many things to offer, including its vibrant cultural scene and fascinating history. You may not have known this, but New Orleans was the prime gaming club destination in the 19th century.

Yet Las Vegas stole the show and nowadays remains the number one option for many speculators. Travelers will only find a couple of casinos in this city, but all of them are sure to impress.

Visiting casinos is one of the best ways to explore this Sin City-worthy alternative’s lively nightlife scene. And the best part? New Orleans’ casino scene is more relaxing and quieter than Sin City’s.

Deadwood, South Dakota

We’ll admit that South Dakota is one of the US states with the least vibrant gaming club scenes, with only a few cities that have legalized these types of games.

But that being said, Deadwood itself is one of the most scenic spots in the state and makes an incredible alternative to Las Vegas. The city is rich in history and boasts breathtaking scenery and fantastic wildlife.

Travelers can enjoy playing whenever they want, with multiple options, including some of the best resorts and hotels in South Dakota.

This Sin City-worthy alternative’s laid-back and friendly vibe makes it an excellent choice for those looking to try this activity for the first time.

There are plenty of other things worth doing in Deadwood, as well, including visiting the Adams Museum and taking a leisurely stroll through Historic Main Street.

Photo by Victoria Ditkovsky at Shutterstock

Thackerville, Oklahoma

Thackerville gets a spot on our list of Sin City-worthy alternatives because it’s the home of the WinStar World Casino and Resort. It also happens to be the largest gaming club in the world and is located just over the border from Texas.

The WinStar World Casino and Resort is tribally owned and located on tribal lands. There may be a little else to see and do in Thackerville, but it may surprise many that it has a larger casino than anything you’ve ever seen in Sin City.

We’d visit this particular place just for the experience alone!

Reno, Nevada

You’ll have plenty of options if you’re looking for charming mountain towns offering stunning views. But Reno, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, stands out for its exceptionally spectacular vistas worth exploring.

This Sin City-worthy alternative is brimming with a lively culture, natural beauty, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many iconic attractions to explore. It’s also one of the most scenic yet underrated casino cities that is an excellent alternative to Sin City.

Reno’s gaming clubs come in a fantastic variety. There are wonderful options, whether you’re looking for a place with multiple table games or a luxury resort with a gaming location.

This Sin City-worthy alternative is also valued for its romantic and calm atmosphere, and this activity is one of the best things for couples to do in Reno.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

One of the most iconic and beautiful cities on the New Jersey Coast, Atlantic City boasts lots of fun things to do, including exploring its pristine sandy beaches, scenic Boardwalk, coffee shops, and delicious meals. As a casino city, Vegas may get all the attention.

Still, this Sin City-worthy alternative is also worth mentioning since it offers some of the most luxurious gaming spots to discover and provides a calmer atmosphere.

The city’s gaming clubs are themed after various periods in history, and they offer plenty of experiences, including unique dining, games, live entertainment, and much more.

Cherokee, North Carolina

In this Sin City-worthy alternative, it isn’t a question of how many things there are to see and do but if you have enough time to do it all! There are many excellent activities to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

-Explore 11,000 years of Cherokee history
-Check out the stunning and famous Blue Ridge Parkway
-Enjoy outdoor sports of all types

And, of course, visit the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. This resort is an Indian-owned 21-story hotel and casino situated on 56 acres at the bottom of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The hotel houses 1,108 guest rooms, and the accommodations are well-equipped and feature beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

This Sin City-worthy alternative has a variety of machines and over 100 table games, including roulette and blackjack. All in all, there are more than enough opportunities on offer to test lady luck and hone some new skills.

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs is an incredibly picturesque destination and makes a perfect stop for travelers looking to enjoy a few incredible natural attractions. It has lush forests, unique rock formations, parks, and scenic lookout points.

When it comes to playing a few rounds, this Sin City-worthy alternative is one of the last places to normally come to mind when thinking of a casino vacation.

But this Midwestern destination is among the most panoramic but underrated casino cities, making it a perfect alternative to Vegas. Now, we’ll admit that its gaming clubs are a bit smaller than those in Vegas, but they’re some of the best Iowa has to offer!

Photo by Richard Westlund at Shutterstock

Palm Springs, California

From fantastic natural spots to museums with unique exhibits and outdoor markets, Palm Springs is home to many attractions worth booking a trip for.

Situated in the Sonoran Desert, this Sin City-worthy alternative is renowned for its fantastic hot springs, golf courses, and world-class spas. So be sure to pack some comfortable shoes when you plan your trip!

But many people don’t know that Palm Springs is a perfect casino alternative for those not wanting to visit Las Vegas, especially if you’re looking for a more peaceful, relaxing spot.

This city boasts approximately seven gaming clubs, which offer just as much as some of those famous Las Vegas casinos.

So what do you think? Have you ever visited any of these Sin City-worthy alternatives? If so, be sure to share your experiences with our readers in the comments section.

And if you’re looking for some more fun ideas on where to plan your next trip, we highly recommend alo reading: Top 7 Science Travel Destinations Aficionados Will Love

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R. C.

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