Let’s be honest — we’ve all been sucked in by a flashy bonus at a dodgy online casino and later ended up regretting it. Lesson learned: safety should always come first when choosing where to play.
So, when I planned a trip to Las Vegas, I decided to use it as a chance to prioritize something I’ve been meaning to explore for a while: finding the safest online casinos.
Sure, the glitz and glamour of Vegas were calling, but I was more interested in picking the brains of seasoned gamblers and locals. Between spinning roulette wheels and trying my luck at blackjack, I got loads of valuable tips about secure online gambling sites.
Highlights of My Visit to the Strip
Bags packed and brimming with excitement, I set on my way to the airport to take the flight to Las Vegas Harry Reid International. I’d made sure to do a lot of research to find out which casinos in Las Vegas I’d enjoy the most. There was a lot to choose from in this massive casino city!
For this article, I decided to focus on four Las Vegas casinos known for their great reputations and commitment to safety:
- The Bellagio
- Treasure Island
- Mandalay Bay
- Caesar’s Palace
Alongside my visits to these iconic retail casinos, I also made sure to explore some online alternatives. I tested out a couple of secure gambling sites, including Ignition and High Roller Casino, to see how they stacked up against the in-person experience.
Safe Online Casinos That I Found
Okay, let’s be honest for a second. Not everyone is going to travel over to another state at the drop of the hat. So, it wouldn’t be very diligent of me not to mention a few of the most reputable online casinos that you can play.
The trusted online casinos I’m about to show you have all been recommended by people I spoke to during my trip, so you can rest assured they’re worth your time.
Ignition – A Safe Bet for Poker & Table Games Players
During my trip, I kept hearing one name pop up constantly when it came to safe online casinos: Ignition. Many people praised it for its security, bonuses, and games.
Part of the trustworthy nature of the site is the fact that the wagering requirements for the welcome bonus are exceptionally low. I was able to get two 150% deposit matches when I signed up with wagering requirements of just 25x (FYI: it’s going to be up to 100% twice if you deposit using a credit card).
The low wagering means the bonus is easier to claim, which says a lot about the intentions of the casino. It’s also possible to play a lot of great games with it, as Ignition stocks a range of slots and live casino games from some quality game providers.
While Ignition does offer a solid selection of slots and live casino games, it’s worth noting that its game library isn’t as large as some other online casino sites. Instead, the focus here is on live dealer games, poker tourneys, and cash games, which aim to replicate the atmosphere of the casinos I visited. So, if playing cards is your thing, you’ll find a lot to enjoy.
High Roller Casino – Looks Like It’s Straight from the Vegas Strip
The casino that was recommended to me the most for its welcome bonus was High Roller Casino. When I signed up for an account here, I was offered the chance to get up to $8,000 in bonuses and 100 free spins over multiple deposits.
Even though I only had the bankroll to claim a fraction of that, I still can’t remember the last time I saw an online casino bonus that big.
But what I also found while I was playing here was a number of other bonuses. There are a handful of weekly offers and more. Plus, you’ll find 1000s of games to use these bonuses on, so there’s plenty going on in the way of content.
You’re definitely going to be safe if you play here as well. I researched this thoroughly and found that High Roller Casino uses SSL encryption to keep your data safe.
My only gripe is that the game selection is a bit limited in terms of categories, which made it harder to find what I was looking for. I ended up scrolling through pages of options before finally landing on a game I recognized. It wasn’t the most seamless experience.
Slots of Vegas – Great Choice for Slot Fans
Slots of Vegas keeps players safe with verified casino games from RealTime Gaming (RTG), which I was pleased to learn is one of the top suppliers of the best online casinos.
However, since it strictly focuses on one software provider, the variety is somewhat limited compared to other casinos that I checked out. But compared to retail casinos, you’re still going to have more options to choose from, especially if you’re into online slots.
There’s also another great welcome bonus here. This one is a 250% up to $2,500 deposit match plus 50 free spins. I liked the sound of this, so I decided to put a few dollars in, but what really stood out to me was the fact that I only had to play through the offer 10 times.
It only took me a few hours to meet the wagering requirements, while bonuses at other USA online casinos usually take me several days. This saves a lot of time and effort, of course, but it also showed me that Slots of Vegas could be trusted, as it’s clearly not trying to mess its players around.
Shazam – Cozy Casino
Another highly trusted online casino that I heard a lot about on my travels was Shazam. A lot of players mentioned this was a good platform if I wanted to play online casino games on my phone, and as I didn’t want to carry my laptop with me everywhere, I had to check it out.
Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed. There are hundreds of games to play on Shazam’s mobile platform, and it’s an easy site to use, even on my old, miniature phone screen. The slots here are particularly fun to play as a lot of them come from my favorite providers like Nucleus Gaming, so I was able to play a lot of my favorite games.
This safe online casino also has many good, responsible gambling tools, which shows that it looks after its players. My only downside? The desktop version could use a refresh, as it feels clunky compared to the smooth mobile experience.
Retail Casinos That I Visited in Las Vegas
Home Sweet Home at the Bellagio
Seeing as this was my first-ever trip to Las Vegas, I wanted to do things right. That’s why I extended my budget a little and stayed in the famous Bellagio. And boy, did I make the right call. It’s one heck of a place to stay.
The Casino
The casino downstairs from my hotel room was super beautiful. It’s definitely one of the fanciest, if not the fanciest, casinos I’ve ever been into, and it’s absolutely massive! This means it can be packed with awesome games.
I tried out some craps as my first game when I got there, as I’ve always found this to be one of the more social games. It allowed me to make a couple of friends before I went to the slot machines and grabbed a couple of free drinks while I played for a few hours. I even won the mini jackpot! So, this really turned out to be a fantastic first night.
Extra Entertainment
The main attraction of the Bellagio is the light show in the fountains outside the front. You’ve probably seen this on a video somewhere, but seeing it in the flesh is a different spectacle. It’s available all year round, and you’ll be able to see it every 30 minutes during the afternoon session and then every 15 minutes in the evening before it eventually switches off at midnight every day. The Sunday timings are a little different, though.
Just make sure that you go at night if you want to see it for yourself. It’s definitely a lot more visually immersive that way, as you’ll properly be able to see all the lights away from the blinding Las Vegas sun.
Casino Safety
The Bellagio is right in the middle of the strip and is one of the fanciest casinos out there, so I did find it very safe. There wasn’t a single moment where I felt like I was in any kind of danger while I was there, either by being ripped off by the casino or by other members of the public in the area.
Overall Thoughts
It’s safe and classy and gave me one of the best casino experiences I’ve had. The only downside to the whole casino is the room’s price, as it seemed like it could be one of the more expensive places on the strip. But at the end of the day, you get what you pay for, and I certainly feel like I got my money’s worth out of this experience. I’ll be going back, that’s for sure.
Swashbuckling Adventuring at Treasure Island
It would have been rude not to check out a few other casinos while I was on the strip. And luckily, I was within walking distance of what I heard were some of the best ones. So, for my next port of call, I decided to check out something with a little more retro novelty.
And that’s why I decided to go to Treasure Island. This quirky, yet awesome, casino has been around since 1993 and it’s been a favorite for casino players wanting something with a more adventure theme. I loved it so much, I decided I might stay there next time!
The Casino
The name of the casino tells you a lot about what kind of theme to expect. I really felt like I went back to my inner kid when I was walking around Treasure Island. The adventure and nature of it make it a lot more exciting to visit, and I had lots of fun as a result.
There are some pretty cool vintage slot games to play at Treasure Island, which I didn’t see so many of at some of the other casinos I visited. These were pretty fun to play, although I didn’t have much luck with winning them.
I had a pretty hard time getting onto some of the tables to play, though, as it was just too busy. I had to queue for a game of blackjack, which I’ve never had to do before, but it was worth it in the end as I won a few bucks!
Extra Entertainment
I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again when I checked out the extra fun at Treasure Island. There are loads of non-casino games to play in the arcade, a bowling alley, laser quest… you name it.
Sure, I couldn’t exactly spend too much time there as a full-grown man on my own, but I’d definitely like to come back here with my friends or my partner another time to get the best out of it. I’d recommend Treasure Island to anyone not traveling on their own for that reason. For me, I just chilled in the adventure-themed bar, which was something new!
Casino Safety
Treasure Island is a bustling casino as it’s a bit on the budget-friendlier side and because a lot of people walk through it from one casino to another. It can feel a little overwhelming as a result of that.
If you’re not worried about crowds, you don’t have to worry about feeling unsafe. Even though this is an older casino, it still has the latest security technology and a whole lot of security guards standing around to ensure nothing bad happens.
Overall Thoughts
Even though Treasure Island feels a little dated in parts, I had a fantastic time there. It’s great that they’ve set this place up for adults and children to have fun alike, and they’ve put together the perfect theme for this to happen. Even though it can feel quite busy, it was never too much, and the amount of entertainment meant that I felt like I could have stayed there for ages.
A Dip in the Sea at Mandalay Bay
After that, I made my way over to Mandala Bay, as I heard I’d be able to get to see some sealife. The aquarium there is a little smaller than I expected it to be, but I feel like the casino made up for this.
It’s a bit of a walkout to get over to Mandalay Bay. Luckily, it was a cool evening when I decided to make the trip, so it wasn’t super hot.
But if you decide to go during the day in the summer, consider taking a cab. Or, take one of the air-conditioned RTC buses. They’re not too bad to use and are easy to spot down the strip.
The Casino
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many retro slot machines as there are at Mandalay Bay. Some of these devices looked like they could be nearly as old as the Liberty Bell itself, and there’s something so satisfying about actually pulling the old arm and putting coins in. Sure, you don’t win very much, but I suppose I was there for the novelty rather than for a serious chance of taking home some cash.
The table side of the casino is super fancy at Mandalay Bay. Because it’s a little further out, it doesn’t seem to feel quite as busy, so I was able to play a bunch of craps, blackjack, and roulette without having to jostle for position. It’s still plenty busy enough for there to be an exciting atmosphere, though.
Extra Entertainment
The best thing about Mandalay Bay’s entertainment is definitely the aquarium. It’s pretty tucked away, so you don’t realize how big it’s going to be until you actually go inside. But it’s worth doing, as there are loads of amazing animals. Just note that the cost of entry is pretty high — which is expected in Vegas, after all.
There’s a small shopping center, a few arcade machines, and some other bits, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained if you want a break from the casino. Plus, all the aquatic theming makes it a visually appealing place.
Casino Safety
Mandalay Bay is less busy than many other casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, so it’s a little easier to sit back and relax as it is at the likes of Treasure Island. This means you can feel a little safer.
While the vintage slot machines didn’t seem to offer the best payouts, there was never a moment when I felt the casino wasn’t giving me a fair chance to win.
Overall Thoughts
If you’re a big fan of the ocean then Mandalay Bay is going to be the perfect theme for you. It’s super fancy as well, but not in an obnoxious way. The choice of the games in the casino are a little different to some of the other casinos I visited, so all in all, it’s a pretty unique experience. Great fun!
Caesar’s Palace: Retail Delights and Iconic Theming
The fourth and final casino I gambled at in Las Vegas was Caesar’s Palace. I decided I needed to do a little shopping for souvenirs for my family before I returned, and the enormous shopping center there felt like the right place for that. That, combined with one of the largest and most iconis casinos in the U.S.!
Of course, while chilling in my room, I wanted to find some safe online casino sites for my downtime. So, I asked a few locals for their top picks in that regard.
The Casino
Ceasar’s Palace is one of the biggest casinos on the strip, and I noticed that as soon as I walked through the door. It really is a pretty grand place. I found the whole aesthetic to be a little kitsch, but you can’t take anything away from the effort they’ve put into things.
Everything is gold and shiny, which fits in with the brand’s overall design. There are also many massive murals that I imagine Julius Caesar himself would have liked the look of. Again, it’s not exactly to my taste, but I can see why people would be into it!
On the gambling side of things, the casino games themselves are fantastic. I really loved the slots there, and I was pleased to find a free table for roulette, craps, and other table games whenever I wanted to play. It never felt too busy despite the number of people, simply because of the sheer number of games there.
Extra Entertainment
There are a few pretty cool light shows to check out while you walk around at Ceasar’s Palace. Of course, there are a lot of shows there as well, but I didn’t get the chance to check any of those out.
Perhaps the biggest and most appealing part of it for many people is the shopping center, where I spent a lot of time. It has all the stores I wanted to find there, but many of them are pretty expensive as well, so make sure you have the budget for it after your casino gaming session!
Safety
Caesar’s Palace is one of the busiest casinos in the world, but it is also one of the Las Vegas casinos with the most significant reputations to uphold. So, you can be pretty sure they will ramp up their security just as much as any casino. As a result, I never felt unsafe at any point while I was there.
Overall Thoughts
There’s no denying that Caesar’s Palace is a grand old place to be. It also provided me with some of the best casino games I’ve ever played, particularly when it came to slot machines.
What I Learned While Playing at Reputable Casinos
My trip to Las Vegas taught me a lot more than I was expecting to learn. It was definitely an eye-opening experience, so I thought it would be best to share some of the things I discovered.
Visit During the Off-Season
People have told me that it can be mega busy to go to Las Vegas during the busiest times. As a result, it might be a little less safe, as you could be vulnerable to pickpocketing. The high season in Las Vegas is generally spring and fall as people look to avoid the peak of summer.
Travel With People
I liked my solo trip to Las Vegas but I’m sure I would have gotten more out of the experience if I’d decided to go with at least one other person. This is particularly the case when trying to enjoy all the extra entertainment, like the aquariums, the fairs, and the light shows.
Keep Your Wits About You Off the Strip
I found that I was generally really safe while I was in the casinos themselves, as they are stacked with security and some of the best-quality CCTV in the world. But while you’re walking between casinos on the strip, make sure to keep your valuables secure, as I heard rumors that there are pickpockets.
Never Go Over Your Bankroll
Another way to stay safe while playing casino games, whether in Las Vegas casinos or online, is to manage your bankroll. Set a budget before you play any game, and never go over it, even if you blow it quickly. The absolute last thing you want to do is try to chase your losses.
Take Advantage of Bonuses Online
If you want to make the most of your bankroll while playing at the safest online gambling sites, one of the easiest ways is by claiming bonuses. Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos offer a variety of bonuses that can extend your playtime, such as free spins, bonus cash, and cashback.
Final Takeaway: Safe Casinos Are Worth Exploring!
So, that’s about it on my trip to Las Vegas. I had a great time and learned a lot of interesting things about casino safety. Some of these places have 1000s of games to play and really helpful staff that you can speak to if you’re ever worried about your safety while you’re there.
Whether it’s honest online casinos or land-based ones, it is crucial that you play at safe places. Pretty much all of the casinos in central Las Vegas are secure, but there’s a little more variation when you play online.
That’s why I decided to recommend some of the most trusted online casinos, as they are solid alternatives if you don’t have the budget to visit Las Vegas daily.
Trustworthy Online & Retail Casinos – FAQs
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about gambling in Las Vegas, particularly when it comes to finding safe and trustworthy online casinos.
Are Retail Casinos in Vegas Safe?
Yes, most Las Vegas casinos are safe, as an unsafe establishment wouldn’t last long in the city. However, it’s always important to take precautions to ensure your personal safety at all times.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Casinos in Las Vegas?
The best time to visit Las Vegas is spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. However, this may depend on your preferences.
How to Tell if an Online Casino Is Safe?
You can determine if an online casino is safe by checking for proper licensing. Additionally, check for other features like SSL encryption, certifications from agencies like eCOGRA (which has been praised for its fair RNG testing), and available payment methods.
Are Online Casinos in Vegas as Safe as Brick-And-Mortar Ones?
Yes, many real money online casinos in Las Vegas are as safe as the retail options available, provided they are licensed and regulated.
Disclaimer: Gambling is risky. 21+ only. Please call 1-800-GAMBLER or seek help at gamblersanonymous.org if you have a gambling problem.