There are nearly 260 Indian casinos in 29 states, with new ones opening every year. Some of these casinos are world-class destinations that can go head-to-head with anything you’ll find in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or any other traditional casino hotbed.
Some of them are small, modest affairs that exist more for the economic benefits they provide their surrounding communities than for entertainment value. Most fall somewhere in between.
That geographic concentration means that road trippers looking to do a little gambling during their travels have no shortage of options. Here is a geographically dispersed dozen of the very best casinos outside of the traditional gambling hotspots.
#13 – Buffalo Bodega Casino
Welch, Minnesota
If you’re driving through northern Minnesota and in need of some gaming excitement, the Buffalo Bodega Casino may be just what the doctor ordered. Class II gaming options include slots, electronic blackjack and roulette, and keno. They also offer bingo and off-track betting on thoroughbred racing.
The facility is relatively new, having opened its doors in 2017. That means you’ll enjoy the latest and greatest slot machines and other games. The Buffalo Bodega Casino isn’t a destination unto itself, but it should give you a fun diversion if you’re traveling through the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
- +1 (218) 458-4858
- Buffalo Bodega Casino Website
- Buffalo Bodega Casino Facebook
#12 – Blackbird Forest Casino
Embarrass, Minnesota
Minnesota has 11 bands of Chippewa Indians, all of whom operate Indian casinos throughout the state. One such casino is the Blackbird Forest Casino—operated by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
Located near the small town of Embarrass (population 602), this Class III casino offers all of your favorite slot machines, along with table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and various poker games.
The facility also features a wonderful restaurant/lounge named The Wild Rice II. If you find yourself passing through northern Minnesota, the Blackbird Forest Casino is definitely worth a stop.
- +1 (218) embedd@bfnncasino.com
- Blackbird Forest Casino Website
- Blackbird Forest Casino Facebook
#11 – Seven Fires Winery & Casino
White Earth, Minnesota
You might not expect to find a winery and casino operating on an Indian reservation in northwestern Minnesota, but such is the case with the Seven Fires Winery & Casino.
The casino portion of the operation offers all of your favorite slot machines, while the restaurant serves up typical casino fare.
They’re open until 2:00 am every night, which makes this a great spot for folks driving through the area in the middle of the night. Of course, you can always visit outside of those hours, too—the place is popular with locals, so clearly, it’s worth the trip.
- +1 (218) 983-1524
- Seven Fires Winery & Casino Website
- Seven Fires Winery & Casino Facebook
#10 – Black Oak Casino
Tuolumne, California
When was the last time you gambled in someone’s backyard? If you mean by the Michigan Tribal Alliance, I mean in a literal sense. Located behind one of the homes on their property, the Black Oak Casino certainly qualifies as unique.
Fortunately, they received the necessary permits to turn that backyard into a fully operational Class II casino in 2021. That means you can now enjoy all of your favorite slot machines and table games without having to worry about being invited to that person’s barbecue.
Best of all, the MTG intends to build additional properties, turning their tribal land into a full-fledged casino resort complex. Here’s hoping they put the casino in somebody’s front yard—that that would be something to see!
- +1 (209) 683-6830
- Black Oak Casino Website
- Black Oak Casino Facebook
#9 – Graton Resort and Casino
Graton, California
Speaking of tribes taking care of their own, the Graton Resort and Casino is further proof that when the Indians want to get something done, they get it done.
This wonderful facility outside of Santa Rosa boasts three stories of gambling goodness, featuring 3,000 slot machines and numerous table games. They also boast five restaurants, two of which—Solare Toscano Trattoria and Lucky Road House—are .
In addition, the Graton features a lovely spa and salon, a nice fitness center, and even a bowling alley. In short, you could spend several days there and never run out of things to do.
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- Graton Resort and Casino Website
- Graton Resort and Casino Facebook
#8 – Little River Casino Resort
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
While we’re talking about casinos that feel more like resorts than gambling establishments, how about the Little River Casino Resort?
Yes, the Little River is technically in Wisconsin, but it’s so close to the Michigan state line (less than 5 miles) that it may as well be in the Mitten. It’s also closer to Chicago than it is to Green Bay.
At any rate, this wonderfully appointed facility offers all of your slot machine and table game favorites while providing wonderful dining and lodging opportunities. You really owe it to yourself to make a point of stopping here the next time you’re in the area.
- +1 (920) 684-5555
- Little River Casino Resort Website
- Little River Casino Resort Facebook
#7 – Island Getaway Riverboat Casino
Dubuque, Iowa
Though it closed in March of 2020, the Island Getaway Riverboat Casino reopened its doors six months later and is once again welcoming visitors. This Mississippi Belle-style paddleboat casino floats on the Mississippi River, offering gamblers stunning views of nature and fellow players alike.
Once aboard, patrons will find all of their favorite slot machines and table games. They also serve food and beverages, which is good because you don’t want to drink and dock. Trust me on that.
- +1 (563) 556-5555
- Island Getaway Riverboat Casino Website
- Island Getaway Riverboat Casino Facebook
#6 – Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Want to know what’s better than a casino? How about a casino shaped like a giant tepee? That’s exactly what you’ll find when you pull off Wisconsin Highway 73 in central Wisconsin.
Inside that tepee, you’ll find all of your slot machine favorites, along with keno and off-track betting on thoroughbred racing. They also have a nice lounge/restaurant where you can grab a bite while losing your money.
One thing you should note: This establishment closes at 2:00 am each night, so don’t plan that epic road trip gambling binge here. Then again, maybe that’s a good thing.
- +1 (715) 807-5750
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa Website
- Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa Facebook
#5 – Cadillac Jack’s Gambling Hall
Rapid City, South Dakota
If you’re driving across the country and need a gambling fix, you could do worse than a stop at Cadillac Jack’s Gambling Hall in Rapid City, South Dakota. This Class II casino offers all of your slot machine favorites, along with food and beverage service.
What sets Cadillack Jack’s apart from some of the other roadside casinos is its overall ambiance. This place looks more like a honky-tonk than a casino, which makes it a refreshing change of pace from the more generic gaming facilities you’ll find elsewhere.
Stop by and tell Randy Clores, the general manager, that I said “Hi.” He knows me.
- +1 (605) 791-7465
- Cadillac Jack’s Gambling Hall Facebook
#4 – Historic Bullock Hotel
Deadwood, South Dakota
I know what you’re thinking. The Bullock Hotel isn’t a casino per se. While that’s true, this National Historic Landmark contains a gaming room that will keep you entertained between trips to the bathroom to count your coins.
Of course, even if you’re not setting out to do some gambling, this is still a hotel worth staying at. Not only did former Deadwood Sheriff Seth Bullock actually help found the place, but it also served as his home for the first few years of its existence.
Even if you can’t swing an overnight stay, make sure you stop by the Bullock’s Hickok-Billings Chamber Express gift shop. You’ll find lots of Deadwood souvenirs you wouldn’t think to look for anywhere else.
- +1 (605) 578-1776
- Historic Bullock Hotel Website
- Historic Bullock Hotel Facebook
#3 – Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
OK, OK. I know what you’re thinking. The Cosmo isn’t exactly a hidden gem. Still, this wonderful blend of class, style, and sin stands out as a must-visit gambling establishment regardless of where you are when you happen upon it.
Sure, the slots and table games are fantastic. The restaurants, however—that’s where the Cosmo really shines. You simply must try the cost-no-object culinary creations at the likes of Scarpetta, Blue Ribbon, Estiatorio Milos, China Poblano, Costas, Wicked Spoon, and Jaleo.
You won’t need to gamble to afford any of these meals. However, losing a few bucks at the slots will make that steak taste even better. Trust me on this.
- +1 (702) 698-7000
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Website
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Facebook
#2 – Mid-America Center
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Technically, the Mid-America Center is a convention and entertainment facility. It just so happens that Harrah’s Council Bluffs once operated a casino inside the Mid-America Center.
Harrah’s closed that casino in 2019, citing poor economic performance. At this point, it appears unlikely that another casino operator will pick up and move in, meaning the gambling inside the Mid-America Center is now limited to non-profit organization charity drives.
Still, the Mid-America Center is worth a stop, especially if there’s a concert or event happening during your visit. Past performers have included Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Elton John, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Drake, and Paul McCartney. Not bad for a casino in the middle of nowhere.
- +1 (712) 328-7878
- Mid-America Center Website
- Mid-America Center Facebook
#1 – Buffalo Bodega Gaming Complex
Deadwood, South Dakota
Yeah, I know what you’re saying. How can the Buffalo Bodega Gaming Complex be the best road trip casino if it didn’t even make the top ten? Simple. You’ve never been there.
Classified more as a collector’s item than a serious gambling establishment, the Buffalo Bodega advertises itself as the world’s smallest casino. Housed in a building roughly eight feet on a side, the Buffalo Bodega features two slot machines and nothing else. Seriously—there’s no restroom or even a place to sit down.
Built in 2019, the Buffalo Bodega may not be around for the long haul. Its owners must make individual bets on all plays, which probably gets old after awhile. Still, they don’t charge an admission fee, and the views from Main Street in Deadwood aren’t bad either.
- +1 (605) 552-3838
- Buffalo Bodega Gaming Complex Website
- Buffalo Bodega Gaming Complex Facebook
Best Casinos Outside of Traditional Gambling Areas
From coast to coast and everywhere in between, Indian casinos offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy a road trip that includes some gambling excitement. Whether you’re rolling across the Great Plains or cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, these gaming spots are worth the detour.
Of course, you don’t have to hit the road to get your gamble on. Providing a first-rate online casino experience requires more than an array of slot machines and table games. You also need fast payouts, juicy bonuses, and a loyalty program that rewards every wager.
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Anthony is a sports writer for GamblingSites.com covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. He also covers other various topics such as entertainment, general sports betting tips, and more.
His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also will be a temporary fan of any team if it means winning him bets.