Festive Cheer at Casinos on Christmas Day

Ah, Christmas. The bells are jingling, the carolers are carolling, and…the roulette wheels are spinning. For many, Christmas Day is a time to be at home, cooking and spending time with the family.

But for others, well, they prefer being out and about, mingling with strangers who become friends, or having the convenience of ordering food at their fingertips. Going out on Christmas Day is also a good way to keep the family entertained. Then, coming home to spend the night gathered around the table is made even more special.

Many families prefer entertainment and food all under one roof, especially during the festive season. This begs the question; “Are casinos open on Christmas day?” After all, you have gaming for those who are so inclined, a food court with a range of dishes to suit every palate, as well as live shows and, depending on the casino you visit, a hotel with its own amenities and perhaps even a movie theatre.

The Nature of Casinos

Casinos, much like many places where entertainment and food are available, generally operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is especially true if the casino is attached to some sort of building where people can stay over, such as a hotel.

The reason is that these types of places are customer-driven and cater to all cultures and communities, and there may be many people who do not celebrate Christmas or view it as another day on the calendar. Of course, any business that generates any type of revenue will want to maximize it as well.

Should a player decide to visit a casino on Christmas day, they can expect to see the gaming floor active and some restaurants and even live entertainment venues open for business, although all services may not be available. People should also keep in mind that not only will certain operators within the casino have limited services, but some may only stay open for a certain amount of time, either in the day or night. The number of restaurant and casino staff may be limited as well.

Vegas and Beyond

It’s difficult to think of casinos and not think of the bright lights of Vegas, home to almost every type of entertainment you can imagine. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Vegas has earned its name because it is a city that never sleeps. Here, you will definitely find casinos and other venues open throughout the festive season, including Christmas Day.

You can also expect to find glittering decorations, festive lights, and plenty of offers and promotions that will be exclusive to the Christmas period. Expect to see a host of holiday-themed festivities and shows as well.

The vibe is similar outside of Vegas as well, but there may be regional differences that apply. Another well-known gaming hub is Atlantic City, and most of the area’s casinos will be open on Christmas Day. Tribal casinos may also keep their regular hours. The only land-based casinos that may not be open or have reduced hours are smaller, independent casinos, so be sure to call and check ahead of time.

How to Avoid a Festive Kerfuffle

As with going out on any public holiday, some planning is essential:

• Call Ahead: If you’re in the mood for a particular restaurant or game, make sure you call and confirm they are open and available and check the operating hours.
• Expect crowds: Public spaces with food and games will always be jam-packed over the festive season, and Christmas Day is no different.
• Transportation: Public transport may be running slower or not even available on Christmas Day, so don’t rely on it. If you plan to use your car, keep in mind that you may have a bit of a walk before you get to the building.

All this aside, a little planning can make the difference between a smooth sleigh ride or Santa getting stuck in the chimney. Happy Holidays!