Circa: Where High-End Meets Old-School

Every month or so, in addition to writing casino trip reports, the man behind the “Casino Collective” X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram pages is reviewing a particular property he’s been to, among a list more than 500 casinos long …

There can be some growing pains when a new casino resort opens — especially in a place like off-Strip Las Vegas, where classic properties have thrived for decades. It’s rare for a brand-new casino to open its doors and immediately earn the kind of loyalty usually reserved for longtime institutions.

The Fremont Street Experience offers visitors a glimpse into Las Vegas history with its neon glow, low gaming limits, and legendary casinos. Fitting comfortably among these old-school properties is Circa Resort & Casino, a haven for sports bettors and table game players — and my personal favorite property downtown.

This instant classic blends luxury and comfort in one space, and it’s absolutely worth a stop on your next Las Vegas trip.

Circa Resort & Casino opened on Oct. 28, 2020, as a ground-up casino resort in downtown Las Vegas on the site formerly occupied by the Las Vegas Club. The hotel tower followed shortly after on Dec. 28. As a relatively new property, Circa has seen only one major expansion so far, adding 106 new hotel rooms in October 2024.

Game for some gaming

While Circa offers countless attractions, the centerpiece is its expansive casino floor. Like its sister properties, Golden Gate and The D, Circa offers player-friendly gaming rules, including blackjack that pays 3:2 and roulette with only two zeroes.

The casino floor features 1,350 slot machines, 55 table games, and a remarkable three-level sportsbook with seating for up to 1,000 guests. All of this sits inside a two-story casino space designed to keep the energy high around the clock.

If you came to Vegas to party, you’re in the right place. Circa’s casino floor is lively 24 hours a day, with loud music pumping throughout the property and dancing dealers entertaining guests at the tables late into the night.

Table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, and baccarat.

During my most recent visit this past August — on a busy weekend night — table limits were $15 for 8-deck 3:2 blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, and craps with 5x odds. Double-zero roulette was $20, while Face Up Pai Gow Poker and baccarat were $25.

During slower hours, however, I’ve seen blackjack, craps, and roulette start as low as $10. If live tables aren’t your speed, Circa also offers a selection of 18 electronic table games.

Eat, drink, and be merry

While the gaming might get you through the door, the property’s restaurants and amenities are what keep you around. Circa offers a well-balanced lineup of food options ranging from fast casual to fine dining.

In total, there are six dining venues on the property, including a prime steakhouse, deli, American-style grill, Pan-Asian restaurant, barbecue spot, and a coffee shop and bakery.

Circa also boasts four bars and cocktail lounges. The most notable are Legacy Club (a rooftop lounge with million-dollar views of the Las Vegas skyline) and the aptly named Mega Bar (Nevada’s longest bar at an impressive 165 feet). Guests can also enjoy Overhang Bar, which offers a front-row view into the sportsbook, and Circa Bar, located outdoors along the Fremont Street Experience.

Towering above the casino floor is Circa’s 777-room hotel, currently the tallest building in downtown Las Vegas. The property offers a range of accommodations, from standard hotel rooms to suites and specialty suites — including corner suites, bunk-bed suites, and panoramic-view rooms.

Splashing around

As impressive as the sportsbook is, one of Circa’s most iconic amenities is Stadium Swim. This six-pool complex features 32 daybeds, 28 cabanas, 32 stadium-style booths, and a massive 40-foot screen for watching sports while relaxing poolside.

Despite being the newest resort in downtown Las Vegas, Circa embraces the city’s history in a meaningful way. Standing prominently in the hotel lobby is Vegas Vickie, a 25-foot-tall neon cowgirl that once stood outside Glitter Gulch, another historic downtown location.

Parking is often a challenge in Las Vegas’ busy tourism corridors, but Circa has addressed the issue in style. The property’s nine-story parking structure — fittingly named Garage Mahal — elevates the experience with artwork, a chandelier, and an air-conditioned walkway connecting directly to the casino.

Additional amenities rounding out the property include two gift shops, more than 35,000 square feet of meeting space, a 24/7 convenience store, and a Lids retail shop.

Circa doesn’t just offer an exceptional gaming experience — it has helped spark a wave of reinvestment throughout downtown Las Vegas. Since its opening, many casinos along Fremont Street have undergone major renovations, bringing even more energy and excitement to an already vibrant area.

Top 1%, no doubt

I’ve been a fan of Circa since day one. Between the player-friendly table games, great food, outstanding bars, and one of the best sports-viewing environments in the country, it delivers a complete Las Vegas experience under one roof.

I’ve visited 517 casinos, and I confidently rank Circa Resort & Casino No. 3 on my personal list of favorites.

Whether you’re a sports fan, gambler, foodie, or simply someone looking for a great place to party in Las Vegas, Circa is a destination you won’t want to miss.