Introduction
Are you an avid gamer or simply someone looking for a unique tourist experience in Alabama? You might be surprised to learn that this southern US state has quite a few casinos that cater to gamers of all levels and interests. From large resorts to smaller casinos, Alabama offers something for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through Alabama’s casinos, diving deep into the world of gaming and entertainment. We’ll explore the top casinos to visit, the history of gambling in the state, and what you need to know about the local gambling laws and regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just curious about the world of casinos, this guide has everything you need to know.
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at some statistics on the gambling industry in Alabama. According to recent data, the total revenue generated by the state’s casinos was $1.14 billion. With more than 10,000 employees in the industry, it’s clear that gambling plays an important role in Alabama’s economy.
Top 5 Must-Visit Casinos in Alabama for Gamers and Tourists Alike
If you’re looking to explore the best that Alabama’s casinos have to offer, we recommend starting with these top five must-visit casinos in the state:
1. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery
Located in Montgomery, this casino offers 2,200 games and a luxurious hotel with 123 rooms. Alongside the standard slot machines and table games, you’ll find unique offerings like virtual blackjack and a high-limit room. For those looking for a fine-dining experience, the FIRE Steakhouse offers prime cuts of meat and seafood dishes.
Pros: Large variety of games, luxurious hotel accommodations
Cons: May be crowded, high limit room is only available on weekends
Recommended for: High-rollers, luxury travelers, foodies
2. Wind Creek Atmore Casino & Hotel
If you’re looking for a true resort experience, the Wind Creek Atmore Casino & Hotel is an excellent choice. In addition to its 1,600 slot machines, this casino-hotel features a cinema, bowling alley, spa, and multiple dining options. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel offers luxurious accommodations with picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Pros: Resort-like atmosphere, AAA Four-Diamond hotel
Cons: May be expensive, crowded on weekends
Recommended for: Families, couples, those seeking a full resort experience
3. VictoryLand
The VictoryLand casino, located in Shorter, offers more than 2,200 games alongside live greyhound racing. The casino also features a restaurant and hotel. Recent renovations to the establishment have elevated the overall gaming experience for visitors, including new decor that offers a sleek and modern feel.
Pros: Large variety of games, live racing available
Cons: May be crowded, casino is somewhat isolated
Recommended for: Families, those seeking live racing experiences, locals
4. Greenetrack
If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate casino experience, Greenetrack in Eutaw might be right up your alley. This casino offers just over 300 games, but the friendly atmosphere and personalized service more than make up for the smaller size. The casino also includes a restaurant and live entertainment.
Pros: Intimate atmosphere, friendly service
Cons: Limited number of games, may not appeal to those seeking a larger casino experience
Recommended for: Locals, those seeking personalized service, those who prefer a smaller casino experience
5. Riverside Casino
Located in Wetumpka, the Riverside Casino offers more than 1,000 games in a variety of styles and denominations. The casino also has a number of dining options to choose from, including a buffet and steakhouse. In addition to gaming, visitors can also take advantage of the golf course, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Pros: Many gaming options, stunning views
Cons: May be crowded, some visitors complain about slow service
Recommended for: Gamers, golfers, those seeking a variety of dining options
Gaming in Sweet Home Alabama: A Breakdown of All Casinos in the State
Now that we’ve explored the top five casinos in Alabama, let’s take a closer look at all the casinos in the state. Here’s a quick overview of each:
1. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore
Located in Atmore, this casino-hotel features 1,700 games, a cinema, bowling alley, and multiple dining options.
2. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka
Located in Wetumpka, this casino-hotel features more than 1,000 games, a steakhouse, and a buffet.
3. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery
As previously mentioned, this casino-hotel in Montgomery offers 2,200 games and a number of dining options, including the FIRE Steakhouse.
4. VictoryLand
Located in Shorter, this casino features more than 2,200 games and live greyhound racing.
5. Greenetrack
As previously mentioned, this Eutaw casino offers a more intimate gaming experience with just over 300 games.
6. Riverside Casino
Another previously mentioned casino, Riverside in Wetumpka offers more than 1,000 games and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Creek Casino Montgomery
This Montgomery casino features more than 2,000 games and a bar for those looking for a drink during their gaming experience.
8. Creek Casino Wetumpka
Also located in Wetumpka, this casino features more than 2,500 games and a range of dining options.
9. Creek Casino Atmore
This Atmore casino features 1,700 games, multiple dining options, and a salon and spa for visitors to relax and unwind.
10. Quincy’s 777 Casino
Located in Shorter, this casino offers 1,000 games and live entertainment.
Exploring the Rich History of Gambling in Alabama: A Comprehensive Guide to the State’s Casinos
While Alabama’s casino industry has only been legal since 1980, gambling has been a part of the state’s social fabric for much longer than that. Card games were popular among the state’s pioneers, and by the early 1900s, illegal gambling was a common practice across Alabama.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the state took a harder stance on gambling. In 1971, Governor George Wallace signed a bill that prohibited all forms of gambling in Alabama. Despite this, illegal gambling continued to flourish across the state.
In 1980, the state passed a constitutional amendment that created the Alabama State Lottery. This allowed for the creation of “bingo games” in the state, which were essentially slot machines with bingo cards instead of reels. These machines proved to be very profitable, and casinos began popping up across the state.
Today, Alabama’s casinos offer a wide variety of games, from traditional slot machines to table games like blackjack and poker. The industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, and Alabama’s casinos are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Breaking Down the Best and Worst Features of Every Casino in Alabama
Now that we’ve explored all of Alabama’s casinos, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each:
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore
Pros: Resort-like atmosphere, multiple dining options, luxurious accommodations
Cons: May be crowded, high prices during peak season, some guests report slow service
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka
Pros: Stunning views, wide variety of gaming options
Cons: May be crowded, some guests report slow service
Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery
Pros: Large variety of games, luxurious hotel accommodations
Cons: May be crowded, high limit room is only available on weekends
VictoryLand
Pros: Large variety of games, live racing available
Cons: May be crowded, casino is somewhat isolated
Greenetrack
Pros: Intimate atmosphere, friendly service
Cons: Limited number of games, may not appeal to those seeking a larger casino experience
Riverside Casino
Pros: Many gaming options, stunning views
Cons: May be crowded, some visitors complain about slow service
Creek Casino Montgomery
Pros: Large variety of games, bar on premises
Cons: Casino is relatively small
Creek Casino Wetumpka
Pros: Wide variety of games, multiple dining options
Cons: Casino can be crowded
Creek Casino Atmore
Pros: Multiple dining options, luxurious accommodations with salon and spa
Cons: Casino is relatively small
Quincy’s 777 Casino
Pros: Live entertainment, easy to navigate casino floor
Cons: Limited number of games
Alabama’s Casino Boom: Understanding the Growth and Future of the State’s Gaming Industry
Over the past few years, Alabama’s casino industry has seen significant growth. In 2016, the state passed a bill that allowed for the creation of a state lottery, which has led to a number of new gaming establishments popping up across the state.
The future looks bright for Alabama’s casino industry, with several new casinos currently in development across the state. These new establishments are expected to create even more jobs and generate additional economic revenue, providing a boost to the state’s overall economy.
Gambling Laws and Regulations in Alabama: How They Affect the State’s Casinos
Alabama has some of the strictest gambling laws in the country. While casinos are legal in the state, they are heavily regulated and restricted in terms of the types of games they can offer. Slot machines are legal, but other casino-style games like roulette and craps are not. In addition, the state’s gambling laws require that all revenue generated by the casinos be used for charitable purposes.
Despite these restrictions, Alabama’s casinos continue to thrive, generating significant revenue for the state. However, it’s important to note that the state’s gambling laws are constantly evolving, and changes to these laws can impact the future of the state’s gaming industry.
A Local’s Guide to the Best Kept Secrets in Alabama’s Casino Scene
While the larger casinos in Alabama are certainly impressive, there are also a number of hidden gems that are worth checking out. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Frontier Bingo
Located in Wetumpka, this relatively small bingo hall offers a fun and friendly atmosphere for those looking to play bingo without the crowds found at larger casinos.
2. Creek Casino Montgomery Poker Room
While the Creek Casino Montgomery is relatively small, its poker room is a must-visit for poker enthusiasts. The room features a variety of poker games and tournaments throughout the week.
3. White Hall Gaming Center
Located in White Hall, this gaming center offers a range of games alongside live greyhound racing. With a friendly atmosphere and personalized service, White Hall is a great option for those seeking a more intimate gaming experience.