The 31st Annual Best of Gaming Awards
Recognizing the Best in the American Casino Experience
After more than three decades of recognizing the casino world’s best properties, the Best of Gaming awards have grown quite a bit and adjusted with the ever-changing world of the industry. Properties across the country have seen an increased focus on customer service, high-end amenities, expanded loyalty programs and so much more. In recent years, mobile sports betting and online gaming have grown gaming operations beyond the casino floor as well.
Yet millions of Americans still crave some time playing table games, slots, poker and wagering on sports in a brick-and-mortar casino, while also enjoying some great entertainment, a nice meal and to simply escape from their daily lives. Casino Player continues shining a light on every aspect of the industry—from the best craps, slots and blackjack to the best hotels, spas, pools, hosts, comps and every possible aspect of a property that players might experience.
A casino getaway means different things to different people. Some are thrilled to spend hours at the slots or craps and blackjack tables. Others enjoy relaxing at the pool, getting a massage at the spa, or teeing up on the golf course for 18 holes. Foodies may be more attracted to the great dining and cocktail experiences that await. Taking in a show, live music or a comedian can be the highlight of the trip for some gamblers. And poker players love jumping in major tournaments or a cash game.
How a casino caters to all these types of players really makes a difference. How does the property fare in dishing out comps? Do the hotel rooms live up to the price and expectations? Is the pool an oasis that you just can’t find anywhere else? Do the casino’s dealers make the experience stand out—even when the cards or dice don’t quite turn out as you’d hoped? Those are just a few of the questions that get answered in the annual Best of Gaming issue.
And none of this would be possible without you, the readers. For 31 years, Casino Player readers have voted on which properties are doing things right when it comes to appealing to gamblers in regions across the country. The properties that came up big in this issue really go above and beyond in catering to casino players. Staff members are always ready to help, doing it all with a smile and a great attitude. Dealers at these casinos keep the action moving in a pleasant environment.
Whether in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New York or locales like Iowa, Mississippi, Washington and Oklahoma, these resorts feature excellent gaming options that may not be available at other properties. Readers also weigh in on promotions, hosts and so much more. Beyond the U.S., the Best of Gaming includes a few locations in the Caribbean and Canada as well as cruise lines, which have ramped up their casino offerings in recent years.
Casino Player receives thousands of votes each year, with readers noting their favorites and properties that really shine. The great thing about the rankings is that they come from real casino guests who have actually walked these casino floors, booked a room, paid for a meal, rolled some dice, took a few spins on a slot, worked with a casino host, and engaged in some chit-chat with employees.
Beyond simply a list of rankings, these awards can serve as a guide for gamblers. The following pages offer some real insight on which properties might be worth adding to that gambling getaway itinerary. Find a property in your own region and chart a course. Or maybe another part of the country might be worth a road trip or booking a flight to.
Casinos are constantly expanding with more high-tech and creative slots, major entertainment acts, amazing spectacles, artwork and modern design, fabulous buffets, remarkable wine lists, sizzling steaks, massive poker tournaments, sporting events, conventions, relaxing pool oases and more. The Best of Gaming awards allow readers not only to vote on some of those aspects of the industry but to also keep up with what properties are offering. That perfect casino getaway is right around the corner to experience some of these excellent options.
Beyond all that, these annual rankings allow casinos to see where they stack up. What are they doing right? What are some ways they could improve to score better in certain categories where they may have come up short? The Best of Gaming helps properties understand how they are connecting with their customers.
Page through this issue and you’ll find numerous regions and categories of almost every possible casino amenity and game. How does your local casino perform? What about some other properties you have considered visiting? Check out their results and then hit the casino floor to find out for yourself. Here’s a look at the winners and top performers for 2026. Congratulations to those properties that earned high honors and have been chosen as some of the best!
– Sean Chaffin, senior editor
Click the links below to see how your favorite Casino did!
Atlantic City
Caribbean
Chicagoland
Cruising
Detroit
Florida
Gulf Coast
Iowa
Lake Tahoe
Laughlin
Las Vegas: Downtown
Las Vegas: Locals
Las Vegas: Strip
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
Native Midwest
Native Northwest
Native South
Native Southwest
New England
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Racinos
Reno
Southern Indiana
Tunica
Vicksburg
Virginia
