Are North Las Vegas Casinos Safe to Visit?

I have been to Vegas many times. I always wanted to stop in and gamble at all the North Las Vegas casinos but have always been afraid to venture up there due to the area’s bad reputation. Is it safe to visit all these casinos during the day if driving a rental car?

You’re missing out if you’ve been avoiding North Las Vegas. By day and even at night, the area isn't as bad as its reputation might have you believe.

First, though, a distinction needs to be made between the northside casinos, such as Texas Station, Fiesta Rancho, Cannery, Aliante, and Santa Fe Station, and the North Las Vegas joints: Poker Palace, Silver Nugget, Jerry's Nugget, Lucky Club, and possibly the Bighorn.

If you're referring to the former, we can say that we’ve patronized them many many times and never felt unsafe. Compared to the dicey stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that connects the Stratosphere with downtown Las Vegas, N. Rancho Blvd. and especially the 'burbs around Aliante and Santa Fe Station, are Anytown, U.S.A. For instance, you could walk from Fiesta Rancho to Texas Station without fear.

The latter casinos are located in rougher areas for sure. But they all have heightened security presence and unusually well-lit parking lots. These casinos might not be the best places for a family or even many couples; we wouldn't try to impress a first date by taking her to the Silver Nugget. But individuals and more adventuresome couples wanting to check out some of the excellent deals up there don't have to be too worried.

Reaching them by car is no problem, rental or otherwise. Even the Cannery, which sits rather improbably in an industrial area, is an easy place to visit.

Our general advice is the same we'd offer anyone anywhere: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid any place that looks dodgy, trust your instincts when it comes to potential danger, watch how much you drink, and if you're especially nervous but intent on visiting, go with a friend or two or a group.

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Comments

Jackie Nov-02-2017

NLV

I lived in that area for many years, in fact, next door to Jerry's Nugget which, BTW, has fantastic pies for sale, discounted during Christmas time, and a great restaurant. I've been to most of the casinos in the area as listed in the QOD without ever feeling unsafe any time day or night nor day of week.  Of course, follow the advise for saftey noted in the QOD and all will be well.

Martyn Nov-02-2017

Martyn

I partially disagree.  As a tourist I have visited North Las Vegas many times.  In fact I stayed at Aliente Station last March.  The casinos in NW Las Vegas (Texas, Fiesta, Santa Fe) are fine, as you say.  So is the Cannery. But in my opinion the casinos in NE Las Vegas (Silver Nugget, Poker Palace, Bighorn, Lucky Club) are dicey at best.  I have stopped visiting the Lucky Club and the Bighorn because I do not feel safe there, either in the casino or the parking lot (and I'm 6'2" and 260 lbs.) Even at Jerry's Nugget, which is a cool place, I am extra alert about my surroundings.

Michael Wood Nov-02-2017

North Las Vegas Casinos

Jan and I took a ride over to the Big Horn in October.
First impressions always stick. What a dump.
Dirty carpets etc.
Even with Buy one get one free coupons this is one to avoid unless its Halloween and you can dress up like a bum.

Nov-02-2017

No problem

The worst areas of town north of downtown do not contain any active casinos. The very worst area I know of is Bonanza between LV Blvd and Rancho; unless you want to see the Moulin Rouge site, just stay off this street. The stretch of LVB north of the east/west freeway, up to about 2 blocks south of Jerry's Nugget, is a bit questionable, so just take the 15 freeway north, exit at Lake Mead, and go south a couple blocks to reach Jerry's Nugget. The entire stretch of LVB from there north to the small casinos was devoid of any "street types" (drug dealers, gang members, etc.) the last time I drove along it, and it felt safe. The Bighorn casino, eastward on Lake Mead, is in a residential area, totally safe. The Cannery (north-side) is totally safe.

Question of the Day - 02 November 2017

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