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These Gaming Destinations Play Well With Groups

BY LINDSEY HYDE

Refreshing drinks, scrumptious food, can’t-miss shows and thrilling games — there’s nothing like a casino to entertain a crowd. Excellent gaming destinations of various sizes can be found throughout the U.S., and each location provides visitors with one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are several places you and your group need to explore.

Tunica Mississippi

Tucked away in northwest Mississippi, Tunica is a gamer’s paradise where luck reigns and themes steal the spotlight.

“We have six casinos, and each one has a different theme,” said Mary Catherine Webb, sales manager for the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau. “You can come for a few days and check out the different properties.”

Venues include Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, a rustic space that takes visitors back in time; Fitz Casino Hotel, which offers an Irish flair; Hollywood Casino, which resembles a famous movie studio; Horseshoe Hotel and Casino, which celebrates gaming’s golden age; Gold Strike Casino Resort, which offers the “gold standard;” and 1st Jackpot Casino, which gives off a vintage 1800s Delta feel.

Together, these locations provide a collection of slot and table games, beautiful hotel rooms, superb restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment, such as comedy and magic shows and live music.

“I think one of the top things that people enjoy most is the live music at the stage bars,” Webb said. “This is open to anyone in the casino, so you don’t have to pay extra for it, and they have live bands that come in and perform on the different stage bars.”

While known for its casinos, Tunica is full of attractions groups can visit. One is the Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Museum. Housed in an old train depot, this space is the perfect spot for groups to learn how Tunica influenced the blues genre. Another must-visit spot is a restaurant called The Hollywood Cafe.

“[It has] its own claim to fame,” Webb said. “They serve farm-raised catfish. They’re the home of the fried dill pickle. They were also mentioned in the song ‘Walking in Memphis.’ They have their own blues marker that’s on the Mississippi Blues Trail.”

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RENO, NEVADA

Appropriately called “the biggest little city,” the spry community of Reno, Nevada, is packed to the brim with entertainment options and has long been known as a gaming region. Its collection of casinos offers sports betting, slot machines and classic games like blackjack, roulette, craps and poker.

A few fan favorites are Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino and “the Row,” which is made up of Eldorado, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy. Each of these venues provides visitors with plenty of games, spa amenities, bars, lounges and excellent dining.

A couple of restaurants worth checking out include Sky Terrace Oyster Bar, Purple Parrot, (which is known for its American fare and breakfast food), Bimini Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Uno Más Street Tacos and Spirits, and Johnny Rockets.

While Reno’s casino offerings might resemble other destinations, this region is less congested than most entertainment destinations, and its outdoor attractions allow people to customize their trip to their specific tastes. In addition to gaming, groups can go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, boating, skiing, horseback riding and golfing, among other things.

“During the pandemic, there was a big shift. People were absolutely looking more for outdoor destinations — places that you could go and experience great entertainment and dining but also get out and get away from the larger crowds but still have that home base. Reno is perfect for that,” said Ben McDonald, director of communications for Reno Tahoe.