- River Palace PMU in Paducah, KY, is one of the top casinos in the state with over 1,300 slots.
- The Cascade Casino in Millersburg, TN, is one of the smallest casinos you’ll ever see with four slot machines.
- Gold Rush Gambling Hall & Poker Room in Downtown Nashville has some of the hottest live music in Music City.
If you’re looking to go on a road trip that includes some exciting casino action along the way, two states you might want to consider are Kentucky and Tennessee.
You won’t find the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas or even the secondary markets like Council Bluffs/St. Louis area or the Ohio River Gambling Mecca. Instead, you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere with enough gaming options to make a one-day road trip or a weekend getaway worth your time.
Are you ready to hit the road? I’ll provide you with a stop at ten casinos you might want to visit in Kentucky and Tennessee. And for more ways to win when hitting the tables, check out our guide to .
Gold Rush Gambling Hall & Poker Room
- 1251 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37203
- (615) 361-4653
- Slot Machines: 20+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: Yes
We begin our road trip at the Gold Rush Gambling Hall & Poker Room in Downtown Nashville.. Located about three hours from our next stop in Paducah, it’s definitely a place you should spend some time if visiting during the day.
Gold Rush offers both slot machines and table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and Texas Hold’em. They also have a sportsbook for betting on your favorite teams.
But what makes this casino special is its connection to the music industry.
As you can tell by the name “Music City” – Nashville is home to many famous musicians and singers. You never know who you’ll bump into while playing a game or two.
And if you miss the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, etc., you can listen to up-and-coming performers at the honky-tonk next door.
Live music and potential gambling winnings – what more could you ask for! If you’re looking to visit a Nashville casino, Gold Rush Gambling Hall & Poker Room is the only option.
No Deposit Bonus Codes Found . - AskGamblersMany visitors choose to drive to Tennessee to gamble, but did you know that you can ?
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel
- 1235 McMurdo Rd, Vidalia, LA 71373
- (318) 336-2561
- Slot Machines: 1,700+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: Yes
I know I am supposed to talk about the best casinos in Kentucky and Tennessee, but I have an exceptional reason for adding Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel to our road trip.
Not only is it a fantastic place to gamble, but it saves your journey as you enter Kentucky. The casino is less than an hour from the Kentucky border and roughly 330 miles from Nashville.
So, why not make it your first or last stop on the road trip?
Here’s just a glimpse of what Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel has to offer:
- 1,700 +slot machines
- 50 table games – blackjack, mini-baccarat, Spanish 21, and more
- A full race book and sports betting lounge
- Live thoroughbred racing at the casino from May through November
If you prefer poker, you can play in one of their tournaments or cash games, featuring No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other games.
After a long day of gambling, relax in one of their 350 deluxe rooms and suites. All accommodations feature luxurious bedding, refrigerators, coffee makers, 55″ flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi.
Looking for the best casino near Nashville or Kentuckiana? It’s easy to reach Vidalia, Louisiana, and well worth the trip!
Cascade Casino
- 121 Casino Dr, Millersburg, TN 37357
- (423) 652-7946
- Slot Machines: 4
- Table Games: No
- Poker Room: No
Do you want to visit the largest casino in the world? Well, you might be disappointed because Cascade Casino in Millersburg, Tennessee, has just four slot machines.
On the plus side, you don’t have to worry about hunting for that elusive royal flush on the penny slot machine to start your road trip!
Or maybe you prefer the peace and tranquility of a small casino after spending time at larger venues like Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel and River Palm Bahama Village Casino & Resort. In either case, Cascade Casino fits the bill.
This tiny casino is about three hours from Delta Downs and just under two hours from Nashville.
If you’re interested in owning a small business, the casino is for sale! Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a casino owner. Who knows? This could be your chance!
For now, enjoy the quiet surroundings and perhaps a big win on one of the slot machines!
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
- 7100 Highway 327, Hindman, KY 41824
- (606) 780-7000
- Slot Machines: 950+
- Table Games: 6
- Poker Room: Yes
Let’s continue our road trip with a stop at Horseshoe Casino & Hotel in Hindman, Kentucky. From the Cascade, it’s about three hours due west.
Although smaller than most modern casinos, Horseshoe Casino offers something for everyone.
They have over 950 of the “loosest slot machines between Nashville and West Virginia,” according to their website. I didn’t realize slot machines traveled, but okay!
Horseshoe also has six different table games — Blackjack, Mini & Mega Wheel, Roulette, Craps, Three Card Poker, and Minnesota Stud. Of course, they have a full sports betting experience if you prefer betting on your favorite team rather than sitting at a table.
Another great thing about Horseshoe Casino is their hotel.
The rooms range from wonderful king and double queen rooms to mountain view rooms and deluxe suites—something for everyone here, too.
Poker Apps You Need on Your Phone - Number 3 is a Surprise!If you plan to stay for a few days, you’ll be happy to learn that the Appalachian Caverns are nearby. Also, the Red River Gorge Geological Area is within 30 minutes of the casino. So, bring the family and make it a real vacation!
Whether you need a break from the kids or alone time with your significant other, we have some helpful tips for finding in casinos.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- 777 Casino Drive, Murphy, NC 28906
- (828) 837-2111
- Slot Machines: 2,000+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: Yes
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is another destination for your road trip. From Horseshoe Casino, it’s about two hours due north.
Even though you are still in Kentucky for another hour, you must detour west to intercept I-26 North to reach Murphy, North Carolina. Trust me; I wouldn’t lead you astray!
With over 2,000 slot machines, Harrah’s Cherokee is one of the premier destinations in western North Carolina. Whether you prefer the latest slot machines or old standbys, they have something for everyone.
Of course, they also have all the popular table games. And if poker is your game, you’ll find several variations played in their room daily.
When you get hungry, try the new Triple Fives Diner, serving classic diner fare like burgers, shakes, and fries. For those seeking healthier options, there are salads and grilled chicken sandwiches.
In addition to these dining options, Harrah’s offers several eateries, including a buffet and fine dining establishments.
Before leaving, be sure to stop by the gift shop. There are many unique gifts for friends and family members left behind—or yourself!
The Belle of Baton Rouge
- 201 South Acadien, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
- (225) 389-5000
- Slot Machines: 750+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: No
From Murphy, it’s about three hours to our next casino stop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Take I-20 West, and you’ll arrive at The Belle of Baton Rouge.
This casino has over 750 slot machines, video poker, and video keno. I recommend using a casino with the so you won’t have to worry about how much you’re spending.
In addition to slot machines, The Belle offers craps, roulette, and blackjack. Unfortunately, they no longer have a dedicated poker room, but they do offer periodic tournament events.
Several good restaurants surround the casino if you want to take a break from the gaming floor. But if you prefer to remain indoors, they have two excellent choices.
- Delta Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some recommended dishes include omelets, po’ boys, pasta, and seafood.
- Grand Caribbean Buffet serves lunch and dinner daily. Try the carving station, fresh seafood, pasta bar, and desserts!
Whether you prefer gaming, dining, or live entertainment, The Belle of Baton Rouge has it all.
Needless to say, you could easily spend an entire day at this casino. But it’s time to hit the road again! Our next stop is Paducah, Kentucky, home of River Palms West, our next gaming venue.
Queen Anne Inn Casino & Hotel
- 777 US-79, Guthrie, KY 42234
- (855) 484-3726
- Slot Machines: 600+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: Yes
Head back across Louisiana and into Kentucky, where we will make two stops. Our first stop is the Queen Anne Inn Casino & Hotel in Guthrie, about halfway between Baton Rouge and Paducah.
Queen Anne Inn has over 600 slot machines offering the “loosiest in Kentuckiana.” That’s quite a claim! Are they the loose slots, you ask? Guess you’ll have to stop and find out!
They also have live table games featuring blackjack, craps, roulette, and Spanish 21. Plus, a full sports betting experience, so you won’t miss watching your favorite team.
And if poker is your game, you’ll love the Queen Anne Poker Room. They have daily and weekly promotions, including high hands and bad beat jackpots.
After a long day of gambling, retire to one of their beautiful rooms or suites. Each room features comfortable bedding, private baths, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi.
new casino games free onlineThe hotel also has an outdoor pool, free parking, and a restaurant/lounge serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
By the way, the Queen Anne Inn Casino & Hotel has a smoke-free gaming area. Nice touch!
RiverPalace Pomu (Bahama Village)
- 317 Everglades Ave, Key West, FL 33040
- (305) 294-5525 (Closest US Location)
- River Palm Bahama Village Casino & Resort
- 1626 Madison Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
- (386) 252-4888
- Slot Machines: 1,300+
- Table Games: 30+
- Poker Room: Yes
Unfortunately, the remaining casinos on my list are no longer within the states we’re discussing. However, I couldn’t leave you empty-handed after leaving River Palm Bahama Village Casino & Resort.
Technically, River Palm is in Florida, but it’s closer than any Kentucky or Tennessee casino. In fact, it’s much closer than the next casino south.
So, add it to your road trip and enjoy everything this facility has to offer. If you prefer the warmer climes of the Gulf of Mexico, their sister casino in Key West is the closest US casino to Cuba and Venezuela and the southernmost casino in the United States.
No passport? No problem! Enjoy the tropical decor and friendly Florida hospitality at River Palm Bahama Village Casino!
Gold Str strike
- 522 Main St, Central, SC 29630
- (864) 656-2230
- Slot Machines: 300+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: No
Our final two casino stops are in Tennessee, starting with Gold Strike Casino in Thompson-Boling Park, about five hours from River Palm Bahama Village.
Like Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, getting to Gold Strike requires a short detour off your direct route. But I promise it will be worth the effort!
Tennessee replaced its antiquated gambling laws a few years ago, allowing casinos in certain parts of the state. As of 2023, the only operational casinos are two Tunica, Mississippi, casinos relocating across the river into Western Tennessee.
Gold Strike is one of those facilities.
They offer over 300 slot machines, live table games, a sports betting area, and an off-track betting parlor. Sadly, they no longer have a dedicated poker room, although they occasionally host poker tournaments.
When hunger strikes, grab a quick bite at one of their snack bars or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of their sit-down restaurants.
Gold Strike also has a hotel with all the amenities you desire after a long day of gambling, including an outdoor pool and fitness center.
River Palace PMU
- 2200 Jackson St, Paducah, KY 42001
- (888) 578-7483
- Slot Machines: 1,300+
- Table Games: Yes
- Poker Room: No
Our road trip ends where it started – Kentucky! Please allow me to introduce you to River Palace PMU in Paducah.
It’s about three hours from Gold Strike, and the last casino on our list.
River Palace is the largest casino in western Kentucky, with over 1,300 slot machines. They also have live table games and a Race Book powered by Paris Mutuel Urbano (PMU).
While Paris mutuel racing doesn’t involve thoroughbred horses, it’s every bit as exciting. These races feature quarter horses and pigoons instead of traditional racehorses.
Wagering on pig races may seem strange at first, but trust me; it’s pretty cool!
Other amenities at River Palace PMU include a sports betting area, high-limit gaming rooms, a buffet, and several other food venues.
Ready to call it a night? Reserve a room at the Kentucky Oasis Waterpark Resort, connected to the casino.
There you have it, folks! A suggested road trip taking you to ten casinos in Kentucky and Tennessee. Now, you can pick and choose which venues fit your schedule and hit as many as possible.
Of course, you can reverse the order and start/end in whichever city you prefer. I hope this gives you some ideas for your next road trip.
Have fun and, more importantly, good luck! After reading about the best casinos in Kentucky and Tennessee, you’ll probably be an expert on , which will certainly come in handy.
Footnotes:
- Official Gold Struck Casino Website provided resource for Tennessee’s change in gambling laws. is also a useful source.
- provided information about Delta Downs Racing Casino’s slot machines.
J.W. Paine is one of the most experienced writers at GamblingSites.com. He's been producing online content for a 15 years and has traveled the world while writing remote located.
When not writing about gambling, J.W. enjoys fishing, alcoholic beverages and qualified time trials on international flights.
