Airports are places synonymous with emotional goodbyes. Travellers leaving or arriving and expressively embracing their loved ones are commonplace at the airport. This along with the hustle and bustle of these always crowded areas is what we are used to. Even so, there are airports with much more to offer than the usual restaurant and duty-free shopping that we all like to preoccupy ourselves with.
There are airports though offering more. For gambling enthusiasts, a casino is one of the extras. Here is a look at some of the top airports to try your luck with some gambling at.
1. Reno-Tahoe, Nevada
Our first entry is one of the largest in Nevada; the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Gambling is one of the favorite pastimes in the state, so a casino had to be part of the gamut of services you could enjoy.
That the casino is situated in an airport would make you think that the establishment is a small one but this is not the case here. The 4,100 square foot casino boasts a large array of slot machines, totalling at 230 plus. You can play all your favorite titles from Wheel of Fortune to Jeopardy and Elvis. Slot machines in the casino are powered by the well-known game developer IGT so you know it’s a seamless and enjoyable experience, nothing clunky.
You can also enjoy some authentic American dishes while you’re at it as the Brew’s Brothers restaurant is connected to the casino.
2. Airport Schiphol, Netherlands
Being The Airport is one of the major airports in the world connecting flights from all across Europe and the rest of the world, so you might just find yourself here in one of your trips. In fact, you will most probably be connected to your European destination through this airport if you are travelling from the United States.
The Holland casino is the perfect way to while away time when waiting for your transfer or during a layover. Gamblers can also enjoy casino favorites like punto banco, bingo, roulette and poker. The stopover might be a tedious one for you but some real money winnings are sure to take care of the fatigue.
(Update 2018-08-27) The Schiphol Airport Casino has now closed and they have opened Amsterdam West instead.
3. Heathrow Airport, UK
You can have all the gambling fun you want in the UK. Land-based as well as online casinos are all authorized to operate. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about taxation on your winnings- you get to keep everything.
Being the biggest airport in the UK, it had to be on the list even though there is no on-site casino to speak of. Slot machines are, however, scattered all over the airport. Even if the fruit machines here don’t interest you, there is always the option of playing online and you will find a range of online casinos offering the thrill of the brick and mortar alternative. There’s convenience for you.
4. Pittsburgh Airport, US
The Pennsylvania House amended the regulations governing gambling in the state so now you can have a go at airports, off-track betting shops and bars. Though there is no casino at the airport yet, it is worth noting that in the coming months you shall be able to enjoy some gambling here while you wait for your boarding call. In the meantime, have fun raising the stakes on mobile.
5. Elko Airport, US
Our last entry takes us back to Nevada, the home of gambling fanatics. The casino is not stationed in the airport but the shuttle ride is short and quick. The Ramada Hotel and Casino offers all the gambling you can take. Since the airport is not international, you need not worry about the ride because there is no traffic to worry about. The Stockmen’s Casino is also close by, just 1 km over. You can enjoy some slots here as you wait for your time of travel. The only disappointing thing about the casino is the set times for table games which open at 6 pm and close at 2 am on weekdays and Saturdays.
Can’t find a casino at the airport? Well, that’s not much of a surprise. However, you shouldn’t bore yourself while waiting when you can take your gaming online. Here are three online casino alternatives that will impress you;
1. BGO
BGO casino offers one of the most realistic experiences for players who enjoy wagering on their hand-held devices. Members get access to all three lobbies of the casino once they sign up. With the gamut of games on offer, the experience is bound to be a fun-filled one. The online casino effectively established itself as one of the top online casinos, even having Paris Hilton as its spokesperson. BGO offers 10 no deposit free spins to new players. A more extensive review of BGO can be found at CasinoReviews.net.nz.
2. Casumo
Casumo is a very safe casino and one of the more well-known online gambling sites out there. Since its launch in 2012, the online casino has been introducing players to new games from the NetEnt platform. Part of the fun is the unique “casino adventure” which makes things even more interesting. Casumo also recently launched a brand new live casino for those who like to play with real live dealers. New players at Casumo are rewarded with 20 free spins, no deposit required.
3. JackpotCity Casino
Jackpotcitycasino is a trusted online casino with a great reputation among gamblers. The online casino was launched back in 1998 at a time when gamblers found it hard to trust a computer to give the full experience. Since then, the casino has gone on to establish itself as the home of high rollers. Players can play high stakes games on slots and all types of table games here. It’s a great online casino for high rollers. They offer a $1600 welcome bonus to new players.
Air travel just got more fun, whether you choose to play while travelling or just take a quick dash into brick and mortar places around some of the top airports in the world.