The casinos in downtown Las Vegas on and around Fremont Street tend to offer better gambling odds than the ones on the Strip. However, that is not always the case. Our Downtown Las Vegas Guide covers the games you will find at all 12 casinos in the market. This includes the Fremont Street Experience and surrounding blocks.
The video poker pay tables are usually better at downtown Las Vegas casinos than on the Strip. Most downtown Las Vegas casinos offer better craps odds. However, the four worst blackjack games in all of Las Vegas are dealt around the intersection of Fremont Street and Casino Center. Our downtown Las Vegas review for each casino shows which games to avoid. You will also find the best low-limit blackjack game in Las Vegas in our guide. It also covers other features of each property. This includes hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
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Downtown Las Vegas hotels and casinos
We have a page for all 12 downtown Las Vegas casinos. Each has its own identity and place in the market. Many are on the Fremont Street Experience. However, a few are a block north or east of it.
Binion’s
Binion’s was the original Horseshoe in Las Vegas. It is known for its value gambling and being where the World Series of Poker started. Binion’s is not what it used to be, however, there is still value there if you know where to look. Our Binion’s casino guide covers all the best video poker and table games there. It also includes the restaurant selection and details about the Apache Hotel.
California
California is often called The Cal. It is one of three downtown Las Vegas casinos owned by Boyd Gaming. The Cal caters to players from Hawaii. It is also home to some of the best video poker in downtown Las Vegas. California is one of only two downtown casinos with coin video poker games. Read more details in our California casino review.
Circa
Circa is the newest downtown Las Vegas casino. It is on the former Las Vegas Club parcel at the corner of Main Street and Fremont Street Experience. Circa is owned by the same company that operates Golden Gate and The D. It is home to the world’s largest sportsbook. It also has the longest bar in Nevada and a large table game pit. It is one of the most festive atmospheres in downtown Las Vegas. Our Circa casino review has more details.
Downtown Grand
Downtown Grand is a small casino a block north of the Fremont Street Experience. It is on Ogden Avenue. Downtown Grand is best known for its cheap table games. Blackjack starts at just $1. It also has $5 craps and roulette. The video poker selection is average for a downtown Las Vegas casino. Check out our Downtown Grand casino and hotel review for more information.
El Cortez
El Cortez is a block east of the Fremont Street Experience. It is a short walk from Las Vegas Blvd. El Cortez’s claim to fame was its single-deck blackjack game. It paid 3/2 and allowed double down on the first two cards. However, that game disappeared in April 2024. El Cortez is also known for having the largest selection of coin slots and video poker in Las Vegas. Read more in our El Cortez casino review.
Four Queens
Four Queens has some of the best video poker in the entire Las Vegas market. Players may choose between 9/6 Jacks or Better and 10/7 Double Bonus Poker. The best blackjack variant in Las Vegas is also dealt at Four Queens. However, there are some games to avoid. There are two shows five nights a week on the property. We have all the details in our Four Queens casino review.
Fremont
Fremont is a Boyd Gaming casino. It is one of three in the downtown Las Vegas market. The casino-hotel is on the Fremont Street Experience at its intersection with Casino Center Blvd. Fremont underwent a major renovation of its casino and hotel rooms. This added a new food court and FanDuel sportsbook. Read more details in our Fremont Casino and Hotel review.
Golden Gate
Golden Gate is on the corner of the Fremont Street Experience and Main Street. It is across the street from Circa, its sister casino. The D is also part of the same casino company. Golden Gate is home to the smallest casino floor in downtown Las Vegas. It pays 3/2 on all blackjacks, including Free Bet. Craps allows up to 10 times odds. The oldest hotel in Las Vegas is on the property. Read more in our Golden Gate casino review.
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget is the flagship of downtown Las Vegas. It is a full-service resort that offers the largest hotel and casino floor in downtown Las Vegas. Amenities include 11 restaurants, downtown’s only poker room, an independent sportsbook, a spa, and a pool where guests can swim through a shark tank. Golden Nugget’s casino is also home to the largest variety of $5 table games. Read more in our Golden Nugget casino and hotel review.
Main Street Station
Main Street Station is a Boyd Gaming property. It is a block north of the Fremont Street Experience on Main Street. California, another Boyd Gaming casino, connects to it by a bridge over Main Street. Main Street Station has eight table games. The pit is only open Friday through Sunday. Craps offers 20 times odds, the highest in Las Vegas. Its video poker selection includes 9/6 Jacks or Better. Read more in our Main Street Station casino and hotel review.
Plaza
Plaza is a classic value casino. It is on the property of the former train station at Main Street and Fremont Street, where Las Vegas began. Plaza offers the best video poker game in Las Vegas. Its bars have several 99% and better pay tables. Craps offers 10 times odds. All traditional blackjack tables pay 3/2. Plaza has a keno lounge and downtown’s only bingo room. It is home to about 1000 hotel rooms. Read more in our Plaza casino and hotel review.
The D
The D is a two-story casino towards the east end of the Fremont Street Experience. It is owned by the same company as Circa and Golden Gate. All blackjack at The D pays 3/2, including Free Bet. Craps offers 10 times odds. Vue Bar offers some of the best video poker value in downtown Las Vegas. The second story of the casino is a throwback with its music and classic Sigma Derby machine. There are three restaurants and a hotel on the property. Read more in our The D casino review.
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Entertainment at downtown casinos
Two downtown casinos host regularly scheduled shows. On Fremont Street, Four Queens and Golden Nugget have live entertainment venues.
There are two regular shows held at Four Queens. One is Mike Hammer Comedy Magic at 7pm, while the other is Hypnosis Unleashed Starring Kevin Lepine at 9pm. Both acts perform in the showroom which is near the front desk in the rear of the casino. The shows are open Tuesday through Saturday, and dark on Sundays and Mondays.
Gordie Brown is the resident headliner at the Golden Nugget. Shows are at 7:30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. Other entertainment acts rotate throughout the year.
Other Downtown entertainment options
Additional activities and a few shows are also available in Downtown Las Vegas. Some activities are free, such as concerts and the Viva Vision light shows on Fremont Street.
Neonopolis – 450 E Fremont Street
At the intersection of East Fremont and Las Vegas Boulevard, Neonopolis offers multiple entertainment venues. Open seven days a week, Axehole Vegas is an indoor axe-throwing spot. It opens at 10am Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sundays. Hourly sessions allow guests to test out a selection of weaponry, including spears, ninja stars, metal throwing cards, shovels, and of course, the classic axe. To let out a little more steam, they even have a smash room where guests get 15 minutes to demolish everything around them.
The seven showrooms inside the Notoriety Theater in Downtown Las Vegas host comedy shows and a number of other performances. Shows typically last between 75 to 90 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes prior.
Regular shows at Notoriety Theater
- Chase Brown’s Vegas Country (21+) – From his start in South Texas to his Sin City debut in 2011, Chase Brown has finally found the perfect home for his sexy, swinging style.
- Downtown Comedy Lounge (21+) – Comedians from America’s Got Talent, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and Netflix.
- Diva Royale (18+) – These drag queens are here to entertain and bring your favorite celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and so many more to life on stage.
- Hip-Nosis starring Justin Tranz – Justin has headlined in Las Vegas for over 15 years, starred in Playboy TV’s number one rated show of all time, “The Extreme Truth”, and is the only hypnotist in history to have a Broadway Show. This is an all-ages show.
- Hunk-O-Mania (21+) – Hunk-O-Mania is a sexy male revue where the men aren’t afraid to invite audience members up on stage for a more hands-on experience. This Downtown Las Vegas adult show is considered the most interactive male revue in town.
- Red Velvet Burlesque Show (18+) – Sexy and exotic, the Red Velvet Burlesque Show is the perfect mix of classic and modern adult entertainment. The show is filled with variety acts, intricate burlesque choreography, and campy cabaret performances.
Downtown Las Vegas casino and hotel FAQs
How many casinos are in downtown Las Vegas?
There are 12 casinos in downtown Las Vegas. These are Binion’s, California, Circa, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street Station, Plaza, and The D.
Do all downtown Las Vegas casinos have hotels?
Yes. All 12 downtown Las Vegas casinos have hotels.
What is the best casino in downtown Las Vegas for $5 table games?
Golden Nugget offers the largest selection of $5 table games in downtown Las Vegas.
Are all downtown Las Vegas casinos at Fremont Street Experience?
Only seven of the twelve downtown Las Vegas casinos are on the Fremont Street Experience. The other five are a block away.
Do any downtown Las Vegas casinos have shows?
Yes. There are showrooms with entertainment at Downtown Grand, Four Queens, Golden Nugget, and Plaza. There are also shows performed at Neonopolis.
Where is the best video poker in downtown Las Vegas?
Plaza offers full-pay Joker Poker with a 100.65% return with perfect play and five coins wagered. It is also home to several other 99% and better video poker games. Four Queens also has video poker that pays over 100%.
What are the best craps odds in downtown Las Vegas?
Main Street Station offers 20 times craps odds. You will find 10 times craps odds at El Cortez, Golden Gate, Plaza, and The D.
Is Fremont Street Experience safe?
Like any city environment, safety is dependent on several factors. Considering the crowds that visit downtown Las Vegas, the area is safe. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. We don’t recommend walking too far from the main tourist attractions.
Is there free entertainment on Fremont Street Experience?
The Fremont Street Experience has hourly shows on its Viva Vision screens. There are also free concerts, including local bands and national acts.
Is there free parking in downtown Las Vegas?
There is free parking in downtown Las Vegas for select groups. This includes hotel and restaurant guests, as well as casino players club members with higher tiers. You may also find free parking for an hour or two. Otherwise, you should expect to pay at least $10 to park at a downtown Las Vegas casino. It can go up on weekends or during special events.
Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Kristina Mehaffey