How Is Circa Las Vegas Doing Since It Opened?

After today’s question about Virgin Las Vegas, I’m wondering how Circa has been doing since it opened?

Like Virgin, since Circa is privately held, we aren’t privy to any dollars-and-cents data.

That said, in its debut month (November 2020), in the teeth of the pandemic, it actually brought downtown casino revenues up 2%. It wasn’t just the novelty factor either. On most of our visits since then, both the sports book and Stadium Swim tend to be swarming with patrons, while other downtown properties are much less so. Also, downtown revenues remained relatively steady during the early months following Circa’s debut, rather than tailing off. So all the auguries have been favorable.

What’s it like today? Our sources confirm that Circa is doing very well. In fact, we hear that Circa was able to refinance its construction loan in just eight months of operation. "That’s pretty much unheard of," VitalVegas's Scott Roeben tells us.

It stands to reason. The Stevens brothers had plenty of experience owning and operating the Golden Gate and the D before designing Circa to provide what would attract Strip-goers downtown to stay and play. And that clientele seems more than willing to pay Strip prices for rooms, food, and amenities, about which some naysayers were dubious early on.

The vibe is festive and the quality is readily apparent almost everywhere you look. One tiny example is the pastrami in Saginaw's Deli, which we compared to the sandwiches from Binion's Cafe and Bagelmania in the December LVA. It won hands down for taste and came in second in price. And the service was astoundingly fast.

One more thing to take into consideration is that Circa opened at one of the worst moments in the pandemic. So if Nevada Gaming Control Board numbers are to be trusted, even though it has had to paddle up a COVID stream its whole life, Circa is a rising tide that's lifting all boats in Glitter Gulch.

Downtown was long overdue for a new and different casino product and the Stevens brothers have, to a great degree, fulfilled that need.

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Comments

Kevin Lewis Jan-07-2022

Like a hole in the head

God knows, downtown Vegas needed a $22 pastrami sandwich. Also, three eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast costs $20. Guess downtown needed a place where you can get an $8 breakfast for $20.

The sports book charges admission. Stadium Swim charges admission. Table game minimums are $15/25. So yeah, we definitely have a Strip casino downtown.

Whee.

Gene Brown Jan-07-2022

LoL!!!

Well stated, Kevin! That’s my chuckle of this day! Keep it coming!

Larry Stone Jan-07-2022

LOUD MUSIC

The Circa is nice except--the music in the casino is SO LOUD it's painful to the ears.  I have to put tissue paper in my ears to stand it for more than a few minutes.  Has anyone else noticed this?

JoyceAula49 Jan-07-2022

Loud Music

Larry, the loud music gave me a headache! It was hard to carry on a conversation with my husband while there (which could be a good thing! LOL)

David Sabo Jan-07-2022

I don't like showing my ID to enter

I rarely enter because they card you. Just another chance to lose your ID. I go elsewhere.

Lotel Jan-07-2022

Good for Downtown

At first thought it would hurt Downtown but after going there a couple time I am glad its there and think it helps the area, brings in guests with more money than average downtown guests.  Seems the Plaza is a lot better now.  Wish their prices were lower so I could stay.  I like that they check IDs wish all Downtown casinos did this, keeps the trouble makers out

Mike Scudiero Jan-07-2022

To each his own

Reading these comments, it's clear Circa is not for everyone. I live in Florida and have already visited twice and looking forward to a 3rd visit next month. I find it to be exactly what downtown needed - a shot in the arm with something new and exciting. Plus, I think all the other casinos near it would tell you anything brining more people with cash in their pockets downtown is a good thing. I like Circa just fine. The table minimums and food prices don't bother me, and for those that it does, luckily there are plenty of other neighboring options to partake in. One comment that I do feel needs clarifying: the sports book has plenty of free seats in it. They do charge for the fancy tables and chairs, but really that's no different than most of the strip joints these days. Also, considering its size and appeal, the idea that there are ANY free seats, even if they are along the sides, is welcoming. You will not find a better sportsbook anywhere in the world.

Hobbs Jan-07-2022

Never Circa

Much to invasive for me when your ID is Scanned. Have no problem showing ID, do so in many places, and scanning is ok where appropriate. Customs,TSA, State and other proper authority.  But a lousy casino? Downright dangerous. 
This and the fact it’s pretty well ruined what was a great downtown will keep me away. 
Let the sheep have it.

Sam Glantzow Jan-07-2022

Nice desciption

Will second Gene's compliment to Kevin. did quick walk-in on 12/27 [monday] at noon to make baseball futures bet. place was basically empty. no one around the $15 craps table. wonder why?

Jerry Patey Jan-07-2022

If

Do any of you know info that is on your drivers license ID ? You should pay particular att to the new!!! Drivers license coming. Has all critical details of your life and identity. How easy to still that. Why do they need your ID and who made that decision. Only the programed sheep and soldiers should go there. I like the comment about strip hotel downtown. Will there be more?  Go online and read what is on new drivers license strip. You will be surprised. I would stay away.

Lotel Jan-07-2022

afraid weirdo sheep

the only people afraid to show their ID at Circa, etc are the weirdo , programed sheep afraid of their own shadow living their life in fear thinking everyone is out to get them. The info on your ID is public info everyone  already has access to

Michael Troha Jan-07-2022

Not for me

I had to see the Circa casino for myself.  I did not enjoy having my driver's license scanned.  Ditto to the LOUD music comments. I won't be back.

Roy Furukawa Jan-07-2022

Younger Crowd

One thing people don't understand about the younger crowd is there is no such thing as too high a price to pay for clubbing, alcohol and food and when it comes to gambling, damn the 6-5 BJ torpedoes, full speed ahead. LVA needs to have a faux showgirl peddling subscriptions downtown so some of these people can wise up and get an MRB as a bonus.

Jim Aragon Jan-07-2022

Best sportsbook

I usually visit mid-week during the afternoon, and there's plenty of free seating. The coffee is good, and I like the brightly lit parking garage. 

It's a fantastic sportsbook, nothing quite like it. The odds are very competitive. Best place in town for sports.

Hoppy Jan-07-2022

The top experience downtown.

Overlooking the sportsbook, the top row of video poker (and keno) machines gives you the best in playing and watching. They can can the too loud music in the casino.

NeonGlo Jan-08-2022

Circa looks great from the outside

I'm glad I read these comments; I'll avoid ID scans, now. I have no use for sports book or stadium swim or high prices, so there's nothing for me at Circa. If young visitors are careless with their money, they'll learn not to be, soon enough. The best thing I can say is Circa dresses up the look of Fremont Street, but some of us are actually more comfortable in less upscale surroundings.

AL Jan-08-2022

Downtown does NOT need Circa

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the statement that Downtown needed Circa. You have to ask: needed for WHAT? The unspoken vibe is that Downtown needed something big, new and flashy, but that's only true if you believe that Downtown should be more that way, like the Strip. I say, NO, it should NOT be that way, but rather, what makes Downtown be Downtown is precisely the old, the nostalgic, the quaint, the traditional, the memorable, the small-scale aspect of older casinos. "NEW" exists elsewhere all over Vegas, both on the Strip and in locals' casinos; it's not needed Downtown; so why can't you/we let Downtown keep its old charm and be an old-time haven from unspeciality?  No, Downtown did not need Circa, and never will. Circa conflicts with what Downtown is all about. I don't fault the owners for recognizing a market niche and capitalizing on it, and I don't hate the fact that Circa is there; but don't lose your knowledge of what this place is and what it is not.

Tysonsf Jan-09-2022

Circa - No Thanks.

I love this daily article but today I have to say they’ve missed the mark.  While it may be popular with tourists, have a look at all of the yelp/google/tripadvisor reviews.  Sure every property has issues but Circa is the definition of a horrible casino experience.   From the horrible video poker pay tables to charging $10 just to LOOK at their stadium pool to denying access to the rooftop bar for guests with disabilities because they can’t meet the dress code… outrageous!   I left one negative review and would you believe management finally contacted me almost a year later?!  What are they thinking??   I’m sure they’ll continue to fleece the tourists but my money and my recommendations for visitors will be focused on everything but Circa.  In looking at most of the comments below… you should too.

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