Which States Allow Free Drinks in Casinos?

I’ve had complimentary alcoholic drinks while gambling in Nevada, New Jersey, and Mississippi. But in other states like Oklahoma, Arizona, and Oregon, I’ve had to pay. Are there other states that offer free drinks to players?

Let’s start with the “dry” states (where alcohol isn't a comp). Those include Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, Michigan (a bill to change the thirsty status quo there failed in the last legislature), Idaho, Missouri, Ohio, Florida, and Delaware. An extreme case is New Mexico, where drinks are neither free nor for sale on the gaming floor.

In addition to the three states you mention, your drinks are gratis in Louisiana, Iowa, Connecticut, Alabama (provided that you’ve played at least $5 on the electronic-bingo games that are Alabama’s stock in trade), Wisconsin, North Carolina, West Virginia (domestic beer only), California (if the tribe in question has a liquor license), South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, where — we're cautioned — “The Division of Gaming does not regulate the comps that the casinos choose to offer. It is a business decision whether or not to offer comp drinks and as such it will vary from casino to casino.”

Drinks are also free in New York state, where the governing statute reads, “(c) Pursuant to paragraph eight of Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law section 1340, a gaming facility licensee holding a casino alcoholic beverage license may provide complimentary alcoholic beverages to a patron under the following conditions:

“(1) there shall be no delivery of more than two drinks to one patron at a time, except that a bottle of wine may be served to one or more patrons;

“(2) there shall be no sale or delivery to any patron an unlimited number of drinks during any set period of time for a fixed price (i.e. open bar), except at invitation-only private functions not open to the public;

“(3) there shall be no game or contest that involves drinking alcoholic beverages or the awarding of alcoholic beverages as prizes; and

“(4) there shall be no service of any alcoholic beverage to minors.”

Similar laws can be presumed to apply to casinos in other states where free alcohol service is permitted. If you’re in such a jurisdiction, drink up. Otherwise, as a great (advertising) man once said, "Stay thirsty, my friends."

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Comments

Michael Dec-14-2018

Iowa

At Prairie Meadows in Iowa, we were told it was against the law to comp alcohol.

DAVID_JOHNSON Dec-14-2018

dj

i get free alcohol drinks at some casinos in minnesota.

Kenneth Dec-14-2018

Colorado

Here in Colorado most casinos offer free drinks, however there is a crazy law in place where you can only have 1 drink per 1/2 hour.  It is a law and the casinos are very strict about enforcing it.

Timothy Grant Dec-14-2018

Maine

Here in Maine it is illegal for the casinos to provide comped or free alcoholic beverages.

Randall Ward Dec-14-2018

Oklahoma

not an expert but I think Oklahoma's may have something to do with 18 year olds gambling but not drinking.

Gramps Dec-14-2018

drinks

In Michigan at Indian casino's in the UP they used to be free, but for some reason then Gov. Engler put a stop to it. Now however there is one casino in the UP that does offer free drinks when you're gambling.

[email protected] Dec-14-2018

Canada

No comped beverages at any casino in Ontario Canada.

gaattc2001 Dec-14-2018

My information is a little dated, but...

I remember that in the early days, Native American casinos in Arizona and Oklahoma did not serve alcohol, period. They had free soft-drinks instead. Then at some point, that changed. I think they all have bars now, but I'm not sure about comped drinks. I thought that New Mexico had gone wet, too, but I'll take your word to the contrary on that. 
The Memphis-area casinos in Tunica, Mississippi had free drinks for all in their early days, and you didn't even have to be playing. Just walk up to the bar. No charge, but it was considered gauche not to tip the bartender. I haven't been back there in a while, but I hear that area has fallen on hard times--so that may have changed, too. 
And it was similar in the Louisiana casinos. I remember playing Blackjack in Shreveport once when another player was pretty far gone, I think on comped drinks; but that was years ago.
Just a little historical perspective....

Dave Dec-14-2018

CALIFORNIA???

I am a little confused. i have been to many casino's in California and have never recieved a free drink. on top of that, they are all pretty pricey, in actuality. i have never understood the fact that, even if you cant comp the drink, why not offer cheap drinks to achieve the "Vegas effect"? lowering inhibitions to gamble more?

steve crouse Dec-14-2018

Maine

You forgot to add Maine to the states that don't/can't comp drinks.

Brent Hodgeman Dec-14-2018

Wisconsin/Minnesota

I have never gotten comped drinks at a casino in Wisconsin, and I've played at quite a few. Also, some Minnesota casinos offer free drinks - Grand Casino Hinckley and Treasure Island. At Treasure Island, they check your player's card to determine if you have 'earned' a free drink, but it's pretty easy.

O2bnVegas Dec-14-2018

invisible

No free ETOH at Oaklawn in Arkansas.  I assume it is the same at the dog track casino.  The only two existing casinos in the state, so far. But then, who has ever heard of Arkansas?  LOL.

Susan Huss Dec-14-2018

Wisconsin

I have never received free alcoholic drinks in Wisconsin.  They do offer soft drinks and coffee.

Dave in Seattle. Dec-14-2018

Washington State.

Nope. Liquor laws states NO free drinks,even in a tavern/bar.
Buy your beer and wine in the Indian casinos. Coffee and soft drinks are self serve and no charge in most of them.
Muckelshoot is one.

Scotski Dec-15-2018

California - Not Free

I agree with David, I have been to many Calif casinos and poker rooms. You have to pay and pay a high price. In fact some of the casinos I have stayed at say "No Outside Alcohol Permitted."

Question of the Day - 14 December 2018

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