What is the Biggest Casino in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and it’s no surprise that it’s home to some of the largest and most extravagant casinos on the planet.
As the biggest poker news site around, we're no strangers to the bright lights and inviting tables of Sin City, but we recognize that not everyone has the inside track on the casinos and hotels worth checking out.
To rectify that, in this guide we'll delve into the biggest casinos in Las Vegas, exploring their size, features, and ownership. By the end, you’ll have a deep understanding of what makes these colossal casinos the giants of the gaming world.
What is the Biggest Casino in Las Vegas?
For visitors, the sheer size and grandeur of these gaming palaces can be overwhelming. But what exactly makes a casino the biggest? And which one holds that title in the City of Lights?
We know that although square footage is a factual number, the 'size' of one casino resort compared to another is a subjective matter and sometimes down to personal opinion. We've discussed this in more detail below, but to summarize, each resort was evaluated on the following criteria:
- Total gaming space in square feet
- Number of slots
- Number of tables
- Number of hotel rooms
- Standout features
When it comes to the biggest casino in Las Vegas, the title goes to Wynn/Encore Resort and Casino. This iconic complex isn't just the largest in Las Vegas—it's among the largest in the world.
This complex is actually two hotels connected by a sprawling casino floor, on which you'll find a gaming experience that's hard to match. The Wynn/Encore stands out not just for its size but for its design features and amenities, making it arguably the premier casino destination in Las Vegas.
Top 5 Biggest Casinos in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is home to several massive casinos, but only a few stand out as the 'biggest' (defined by our criteria). Here’s the PokerNews Top 5:
1. Wynn/Encore Resort and Casino
The Wynn/Encore offers a breathtaking experience with its lush gardens, high-end boutiques, and world-class restaurants. The casino floor is expansive, with a wide variety of games to suit every type of player.
Aspect | Wynn/Encore Resort and Casino |
---|---|
Total Gaming Space | 191,424 square feet |
Number of Slot Machines | 2,200 |
Number of Gaming Tables | 240 |
Hotel Rooms | 2,716 |
Unique Features | A Michelin-starred restaurant, luxury boutiques, and a variety of live entertainment. |
Ownership | Wynn Resorts, founded by Steve Wynn. |
2. MGM Grand Las Vegas
The MGM Grand is not just about gaming; it also houses a massive entertainment complex, featuring a theater, nightclubs, and restaurants. The casino is famous for hosting some of the biggest boxing fights in history.
Aspect | MGM Grand Las Vegas |
---|---|
Total Gaming Space | 171,500 square feet |
Number of Slot Machines | 2,300+ |
Number of Gaming Tables | 178 |
Hotel Rooms | 6,852 |
Unique Features | A theater, nightclubs, and restaurants, including the famous MGM Grand Buffet. |
Ownership | MGM Resorts International. |
3. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Mandalay Bay is known for its unique aquatic theme, complete with a large shark reef aquarium. The casino floor is beautifully designed, offering a blend of modern gaming with a relaxed, tropical vibe.
Aspect | Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino |
---|---|
Total Gaming Space | 160,334 square feet |
Number of Slot Machines | 1,700+ |
Number of Gaming Tables | 135 |
Hotel Rooms | 3,209 |
Unique Features | An 11-acre man-made beach, nightclubs and bars, a variety of casino games and sports betting. |
Ownership | MGM Resorts International. |
4. The Venetian & Palazzo Resort
Modeled after Venice, Italy, The Venetian and Palazzo complex offers gondola rides and stunning architectural designs. The casino itself is a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, offering a variety of gaming options and some of the best poker rooms in Vegas.
Aspect | The Venetian & Palazzo Resort |
---|---|
Total Gaming Space | 132,254 square feet |
Number of Slot Machines | 1,900+ |
Number of Gaming Tables | 225 |
Hotel Rooms | 7,093 |
Unique Features | A unique Venetian-theme, gondola rides, high-stakes casino rooms. |
Ownership | Vici Properties and Apollo Global Management. |
5. ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA stands out for its modern, technologically advanced environment. The casino offers a wide range of games and is known for its high-limit room and exclusive VIP gaming experiences.
Aspect | ARIA Resort & Casino |
---|---|
Total Gaming Space | 150,000 square feet |
Number of Slot Machines | 2,000+ |
Number of Gaming Tables | 145 |
Hotel Rooms | 4,004 |
Unique Features | A stylish poker room, tranquil spa experience, and a huge shopping area. |
Ownership | MGM Resorts International. |
Read Our Full Reviews for Las Vegas Casinos
If you're looking for a more in-depth view of these Las Vegas casino resorts, check out our Las Vegas casino reviews in full.
Who Owns the Biggest Casino in Las Vegas?
Ownership plays a crucial role in the operations and branding of Las Vegas casinos. The biggest casino, Wynn/Encore, is owned by Wynn Resorts, a company founded by the legendary Steve Wynn.
Wynn Resorts Overview
Aspect | Wynn Resorts |
---|---|
Founded | 2002 |
Notable Properties | Wynn/Encore, Wynn Macau |
Market Impact | Wynn Resorts is known for its luxury-focused approach, setting a high standard for casino experiences. The company’s properties are synonymous with elegance, high-end service, and world-class amenities. |
Other Major Owners in Las Vegas
Alongside Wynn Resorts, there are a number of other sizeable corporations with stakes in the largest casino resorts in Vegas:
- MGM Resorts International: A giant in the industry, owning properties like the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and ARIA. MGM Resorts is one of the largest casino operators in the world.
- Caesars Entertainment: Another major player, known for iconic properties such as Caesars Palace and Harrah’s. The company has a vast portfolio of properties across the U.S. and globally.
- Vici Properties: A real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns The Venetian and Palazzo, among others. Vici focuses on acquiring and leasing gaming, hospitality, and entertainment properties.
These corporations not only own the biggest casinos but also shape the landscape of Las Vegas through their influence and investments. Many of these corporations have also ventured into online casino gaming, for example, MGM, who operate the BetMGM Casino and Borgata Casino brands.
What Makes These Casinos the Biggest?
When discussing the 'biggest' casinos, personal opinion and what we deem to be important, often carries a lot of weight. Therefore it’s essential to understand what factors contribute to evaluating each casino resort on our list:
1. Gaming Space
The most obvious measure of a casino’s size is its gaming space. This includes the area dedicated to slot machines, gaming tables, poker rooms, and sports betting. Casinos like Wynn/Encore and MGM Grand dominate in this category, offering vast floors filled with a variety of games.
2. Hotel Rooms
Another critical factor is the number of hotel rooms. Las Vegas casinos often double as hotels, with thousands of rooms available for guests. For example, The Venetian and Palazzo complex boasts over 7,000 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the world.
3. Amenities and Entertainment
Size isn’t just about square footage. The amenities offered by a casino also contribute to its stature and popularity with guests. Casino resorts often include restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, spas, and pools. The MGM Grand, for instance, is renowned for its entertainment options, from concerts to famous bouts.
4. Architectural Design
The design and architecture of a casino can also contribute to its perception as the biggest. Elaborate themes, luxurious interiors, and grand exteriors all play a role. The Venetian, with its intricate replication of Venice’s canals and architecture, is a prime example. Caesars Palace is also held up as an example of classic hotel elegance.
5. Customer Experience
Finally, the overall customer experience is a significant factor. Large casinos often offer more personalized and high-end services, such as VIP rooms, private gaming areas, and exclusive events. This focus on luxury and exclusivity can elevate a casino’s status as one of the biggest.
Want to know more about poker rooms and casinos in Vegas and elsewhere?
Take a look at our extensive guide to casino resorts across the world!
Read moreLas Vegas Casinos: The Honorable Mentions
While the top five casinos are impressive, several others deserve recognition for their size and offerings. Here are a few noteworthy mentions:
Bellagio Hotel & Casino
The Bellagio, owned by MGM Resorts International, is famous for its stunning fountain show and luxurious design, drawing visitors from around the world. The gaming space covers a massive 116,000 square feet, providing multiple poker and table game options for visitors.
Luxor Hotel & Casino
Another MGM Resorts International property, the Luxor stands out for its unique pyramid shape and Egyptian theme, offering a distinct gaming environment that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace is an iconic property known for its Roman-themed architecture and high-end shopping and dining experiences, as well as 124,181 square feet of gaming space.
As we're PokerNews, we also have to give a special mention to the Caesars-owned Horseshoe and Paris Hotel & Casino, which hosted this year's World Series of Poker, a partnership that will continue for the next twenty years at least according to recent reports.
Las Vegas Casino Resort FAQs
What is the biggest casino in Las Vegas?
The biggest casino in Las Vegas is the Wynn/Encore Resort and Casino, with 191,424 square feet of gaming space.
Who owns the biggest casino in Las Vegas?
The Wynn/Encore Resort and Casino is owned by Wynn Resorts, a company known for its luxury-focused properties.
Are there any new casinos being built that could surpass the current biggest?
While several new projects are always in development in Las Vegas, none currently announced are set to surpass the Wynn/Encore in terms of gaming space.
Which casino has the most slot machines in Las Vegas?
The MGM Grand has one of the largest selections of slot machines in Las Vegas, with over 2,300 machines available for play.