10 Unluckiest Casinos to Visit in the USA
When visiting a casino, most people dream of striking it big or at least walking away with a memorable experience. However, some casinos have earned a reputation not for their jackpots but for being associated with bad luck, questionable management, or subpar guest experiences. Here’s a detailed look at ten of the unluckiest casinos to visit in the USA, based on guest reviews, scandals, and overall misfortune.
1. Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Despite its auspicious name, the Lucky Dragon quickly became one of the unluckiest casinos in Las Vegas history. Opened in 2016 with a unique Asian-inspired theme, it aimed to attract international gamblers but failed to gain traction. Financial troubles plagued the casino from the start, leading to its closure in 2018. Guests reported poor service, limited gaming options, and an unwelcoming atmosphere, making it an unfortunate choice for many visitors.
2. Revel Casino Hotel – Atlantic City, New Jersey
Revel Casino, once hailed as the crown jewel of Atlantic City, turned out to be a financial disaster. The $2.4 billion property opened in 2012 and was expected to rejuvenate the city’s struggling gaming industry. However, high operating costs, limited amenities, and a no-smoking policy alienated customers. Revel filed for bankruptcy twice before closing its doors in 2014, leaving behind a trail of disappointed gamblers and staff.
3. Hooters Casino Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada
Hooters Casino Hotel’s branding gimmick failed to resonate with gamblers. Guests often complained about outdated facilities, unclean rooms, and lackluster gaming options. The casino faced several financial difficulties over the years, eventually rebranding as OYO Hotel & Casino in 2019. Its poor reputation, however, has lingered, making it a cautionary tale for those seeking luck in Sin City.
4. Four Bears Casino & Lodge – New Town, North Dakota
While Four Bears Casino offers a picturesque location along Lake Sakakawea, its reputation has been marred by guest complaints about unfriendly staff, outdated machines, and subpar accommodations. Visitors often describe it as a place where luck goes to die, with many citing consistent losses and lack of hospitality.
5. Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Buffalo Thunder boasts a stunning Southwestern design, but the glamour fades for those hoping to win big. Frequent complaints include tight slot machines, slow service, and disorganized management. For many, the unlucky streak begins the moment they walk through the door, with stories of poor payouts dominating online reviews.
6. Greektown Casino-Hotel – Detroit, Michigan
Despite its prime location, Greektown Casino-Hotel often receives mixed reviews. Many patrons report unwelcoming staff, malfunctioning machines, and an overall chaotic environment. Additionally, some visitors have described an eerie sense of bad luck that seems to permeate the gaming floor, contributing to its unlucky reputation.
7. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Biloxi, Mississippi
While the Hard Rock brand is iconic, the Biloxi location has experienced its share of misfortune. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the property before it even opened. Though it eventually launched in 2007, guests often complain about unfriendly staff, limited gaming options, and frequent losing streaks. These factors have led to its inclusion on this list of unlucky casinos.
8. Sands Regency Casino Hotel – Reno, Nevada
Reno’s Sands Regency has struggled to compete with larger, more modern casinos in the area. Guests often describe the property as outdated, with poorly maintained gaming equipment and a lackluster atmosphere. Stories of unlucky streaks abound, with many visitors reporting consistent losses and an overall sense of dissatisfaction.
9. Sahara Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Sahara’s storied history is a mix of glamour and bad luck. After closing in 2011 due to declining revenue, it reopened as the SLS Las Vegas, only to suffer financial struggles again. Despite a return to its original name, the Sahara’s reputation remains tarnished. Guests frequently report subpar gaming experiences and a lack of energy on the casino floor, leading many to label it an unlucky spot.
10. Trump Taj Mahal – Atlantic City, New Jersey
Once dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Trump Taj Mahal’s fate was anything but magical. Opened in 1990, the casino struggled with financial troubles for most of its existence, filing for bankruptcy multiple times. In 2016, it closed permanently after a protracted labor dispute. The property’s unlucky reputation lives on, with tales of unhappy gamblers and mismanagement overshadowing its former grandeur.
What Makes a Casino “Unlucky”?
Several factors contribute to a casino being labeled as unlucky, including:
- Frequent Losses: Consistently poor payouts can make gamblers feel the odds are stacked against them.
- Poor Management: Mismanagement often leads to guest dissatisfaction and a tarnished reputation.
- Bad Atmosphere: An unwelcoming or chaotic environment can dampen the experience for visitors.
- Financial Troubles: A casino’s instability can result in closures or diminished services, leaving guests disappointed.
Avoiding Bad Luck at Casinos
If you’re planning to visit a casino, consider these tips to enhance your experience:
- Research: Read reviews and gather information about the casino’s reputation.
- Set Limits: Avoid chasing losses by setting a budget for your gambling activities.
- Focus on Entertainment: Remember that casinos are primarily designed for fun, not guaranteed winnings.
While every gambler dreams of hitting the jackpot, choosing the wrong casino can quickly turn a night of excitement into a tale of misfortune. The casinos on this list have earned their unlucky reputations for various reasons, making them destinations you might want to avoid if you’re looking for a winning streak.