At first, you may believe that an airport is an unlikely place to have a casino. After all, when you picture an airport, slot machines and blackjack tables are probably not the first things that come to mind. Yet, a few airports around the globe offer travelers the chance to experience the thrill of casino gaming right in the terminal.
For many, online casino apps are a tried-and-true way to gamble on the go. The Borgata Online mobile app, for instance, gives you thousands of online slot machines, casino table games, live dealer games, and more right in the palm of your hand.
However, if you’re looking for a unique experience, there’s something special about the entertainment value of gambling at an airport. Maybe it’s the anything-can-happen energy of the departures lounge (or maybe it’s just fun to spin the slots between dessert runs). Whatever the magic, airport casinos offer the perfect game-day atmosphere for travelers to go all in before takeoff. Plus, there’s the added tax benefit — if you decide to play at an airport casino, you get to enjoy all your winnings because airport casinos are not subject to tax, and the games are in duty-free zones.
Is There a Casino in Las Vegas Airport?
There’s a reason why Las Vegas has become known as the gambling capital of the world — players are truly spoiled for choice in terms of gambling establishments, including options for Las Vegas airport gambling. Apart from the thrill that comes with the Vegas nightlife, tourists and locals alike can enjoy an assortment of casino games at Harry Reid International Airport( formerly the McCarran Airport).
In fact, reports suggest that in the past 36 years, more than $1 billion in revenue was generated from slots at this one airport. Apart from Nevada’s Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport is the only other U.S. airport that offers slots. Despite already being a prominent landmark, this Vegas airport became even more popular when one Californian woman was famously lucky when spinning the reels of a Wheel of Fortune Pink Diamond slot there, turning a $5 bet into a whopping $1.6 million win.
This casino is known for having 1,300 slot machines, even though it doesn’t offer any table games. Fortunately, if you’re landing at this airport or if you have some time to kill before your flight, the real action is just minutes away at lively, luxurious Vegas casinos like the MGM Grand.
Other Airports With Casinos
Other international airports besides Las Vegas also feature casinos for travelers’ entertainment.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (Nevada)
At this Nevada airport, tourists are welcomed with a variety of fruit slot machines reminiscent of classic slot games. This airport is known to have more than 230 slot machines that line both concourses, the bar tops at the Taphouse, and even the main terminal lobby. All owned and operated by IGT, these games let travelers 21+ experience one of Reno’s favorite pastimes — pulling the lever on the slots. While it may not be a full casino (it doesn’t offer any other casino games), the variety of slot machines still provides a great gaming fix for travelers passing through the airport.
Every now and then, tourists try their hand at the slots and win. One of the most notable wins at Reno-Tahoe was in 2010 when a newlywed couple walked away with $10.4 million. What a honeymoon they must have had. At Reno-Tahoe, players can also enjoy free WiFi, American cuisine at on-site restaurants and bars, access to ATMs, as well as nursing and lactation pods, among other amenities.
Heathrow Airport (London)
Despite being one of the most famous airports in the world, Heathrow Airport doesn’t have a fully established casino. Nonetheless, it still does a pretty good job of offering the much-needed casino thrill that some travelers may enjoy through its slot machine selection. At Heathrow, slots can be found all over the waiting hall, so you won’t run the risk of getting lost and missing your flight.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands)
Along with Heathrow, one of the busier airports on this list is Netherlands’ Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This airport is a major transfer point for connecting flights to a wide variety of global travel destinations, and it was once home to the bustling Holland Casino. While the airport casino closed its doors in 2018, it left a legacy of diverse gaming options, including slots, poker, roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco, and even bingo.
At this airport, passengers can still enjoy amenities such as fitness facilities, a library, and a museum if they’re looking to take a short breather from the casino action.
Pittsburgh International Airport (Pennsylvania)
For gamers hitting the friendly skies through western Pennsylvania, a slot or table game session could soon be part of their travel experience. While Pittsburgh International Airport doesn’t have gambling facilities, but that could change very soon. In June 2017, the Pennsylvania House gave the green light for new legislation that opens the door for airports to host casino-style gaming. The bill allows airports, bars, and off-track betting parlors to obtain licenses for slots, table games, and other casino games if they so choose.
This decision is paving the way for Pittsburgh’s major transit hub to begin offering gambling amenities to passengers in the coming years. It’s a huge positive step for gaming in Pennsylvania, which is already considered the second-largest casino market in the U.S. after Las Vegas.
While Pittsburgh’s major airport doesn’t have a casino or any slot machines yet, it certainly could in the years ahead as venues start to take advantage of the new laws. In the meantime, travelers can still play their favorite casino games online for real money at Borgata Online or on the Borgata casino app.
Access a Casino Around the Clock at Borgata Online
Airport casinos are undoubtedly a convenient way to play casino games if you’re constantly on the move, but you can also take it a step further with Borgata’s online casino for real money, which is available to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Gone are the days of having to physically step into a gambling establishment to play your favorite casino games. Now, you can play casino games online from the comfort of your own home (or at an airport in one of the states where this online casino is legally operational). Explore a wide variety of popular titles when you register at Borgata Online.