For many towns and cities across America, casinos have become a staple part of the community. Some are part of massive resorts, while others are small and localized establishments. But there are also gambling venues that now lie abandoned, their fate sealed as they crumble into nothingness.
The US has more than 1,500 Indian gaming facilities alone. That’s not including commercial casinos in every state except Hawaii and Utah. Of course, some of these venues close down every year. When another one opens up, it’s often replacing an existing one. It’s just part of the free-market economy at work.
Some casinos don’t deserve to meet such a grisly end. Take the old Ducky Lake Casino in Arkansas, for example. This charming log cabin structure was no longer cutting it after 30 years of service. Residents were divided on tearing it down and replacing it with something bigger.
Elsewhere, grand openings have given way to closure within a matter of months. Here’s a look at casinos from around the country that now lie abandoned.
1. Resorts International, Louisiana
Let’s start our journey through the United States by looking at a casino that closed down before it even opened its doors.
- Location: Catahoula Parish, Louisiana
- Opening days: Never
- Year Closed: 2008
Things to do in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, are few and far between. So, when plans for a resort called Resorts International were announced back in the mid-2000s, things were exciting for once.
Selinsky Hospitality Group (SHG) was behind the project, with the Sheraton brand attached to the hotel aspect of things. Everything was set to get underway in 2006 but ran into trouble securing financing.
Eventually, things got going in 2008, only for superflood Manila to hit the Philippines and wipe out the majority of money investor Lauro T. Laus had put into the venture. With no money and unfinished foundations, workers were sent home, and the site lay dormant. Fast forward to today, and the resort lies abandoned and vandalized.
2. River Palms Casino Resort, Florida
Florida is one of the top states for gamblers. It’s home to the and several racinos, card rooms, and even .
best wv online casinos“There aren’t any vagabonds sleeping in the cars out in the lot.”
But back in 2008, people were taking risks by opening casinos in the state during the economic downturn. One such business was the River Palms Casino Resort.
- Location: Gonzales, Florida
- Opening Day: March 7, 2008
- Year Closed: September 20, 2010
Things were looking good when the place opened its doors back in 2008. However, Gonzales, Florida, is pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Getting to the casino involved a 40-mile dirt road that left many potential customer’s cars mudded up.
According to reports, the owner lost millions on the venture. He even said that, on the opening day, only 40 people came through the doors. That doesn’t even cover operating costs. Today, the place looks like a ghost town…because it is.
“We’re not a ghost town,” Ronnie Scott, president of the chamber of commerce, told the New York Times in 2012. “There aren’t any vagabonds sleeping in the cars out in the lot. It just looked that way on TV.”
It seems that the building might be repurposed into a nursing home, but only time will tell if that actually happens.
3. Duck Creek Sporting Clays & Casino, Pennsylvania
Tioga Downs Management LLC wanted to build a casino in New York in 2016. But its bid wasn’t successful, costing the company $20 million.
With $60 million already invested in land purchasing for the Lacey Casino & Hotel in Lacey, New York, the company decided to repurpose the land it had bought in Pennsylvania.
- Location: Franklin Township, Venango County
- Opening Day: May 27, 2016
- Year Closed: November 1, 2016
Duck Creek Sporting Clays & Casino finally opened its doors in the summer of 2016. But just over five months later, the venue shuttered its doors.
Nell Levner, an attorney representing the property owners, explained that the venue didn’t generate the revenue needed to stay open. Today, the buildings and signage still stand, but the site isn’t operational.
A new owner could use the 17,000-square-foot building for other forms of gambling, like bingo or poker, depending on the laws and regulations in the area. The may offer some hope to those wanting more gaming options in Franklin Township.
4. Ducky Lake Casino, Arkansas
In almost four decades of service, the Ducky Lake Casino became something of an icon in Arkansas.
- Location: Kingston, Arkansas
- Opening Day: Mid-1980s
- Year Closed: 2016
Many locals tried to save the old log cabin casino before it was torn down to make way for a new venue. But the new facility, known as Saracen Casino Resort, is something altogether different.
This $350 million project will contain 2,300 slots and 100 table games, plus 75 hotel suites. A second phase of development will see an additional 250 suites built, along with 30 poker tables and a separate high-limit area.
The old casino can justifiably make way for something bigger and better. In recent years, it struggled to compete against nearby venues, such as the . Still, it’s sad to see this former gem among casinos that are now abandoned.
5. Atlantic Casino & Hotel, New Jersey
When the Atlantic Casino & Hotel closed in 2014, it brought the number of operating casinos in the resort to 12. There were 16 at its peak back in the 1980s, which means the seaside town is getting back to basics.
- Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Opening Day: June 18, 1980
- Year Closed: April 15, 2014
The Atlantis Casino and Hotel was the first to open its doors to gamblers back in 1980. It changed names to the Atlantic Casino & Hotel in the early 2000s.
Housed inside the Caesars Boardwalk Regency Hotel, it was the smallest casino in the resort at just 22,100 square feet. That probably contributed to its closure, considering people can spread their bets across larger sites.
The venue closed in 2014 and remains empty as developers try to figure out how to utilize the space. has fallen drastically since its prime. Will the vacant Atlantic Casino & Hotel ever reopen? Only time will tell.
6. Ho-Ba-Na-Leeza Casino, Wisconsin
The Ho-Ba-Na-Leeza Casino was a modest establishment, with just 250 slot machines and 20 employees. Built in 1992, it provided Ho-Chunk Nation with somewhere to gamble legally without having to travel long distances.
- Location: Black River Falls, Wisconsin
- Opening Day: 1992
- Year Closed: 2014
Its closure in 2014 was due to tribal members being able to gamble at other Ho-Chunk–operated casinos off the reservation. Why pay state taxes on profits when you don’t need to?
Tribal Chair Ernie Stevens Jr., explained that the decision to close the casino was a tough one but necessary for the tribe’s financial future. Today, the Ho-Ba-Na-Leeza sits among other casinos that are now abandoned, waiting for a new purpose.
Interested in learning about more recent closures?
7. Bay Meadows Race Course, California
The Bay Meadows Race Course held its final race in 2008 and was soon followed by the closing of its thoroughbred stable. After sitting empty for nearly six years, the Lennar Corporation purchased the land to begin a new housing development.
- Location: San Mateo, California
- Opening Day: May 2, 1937
- Year Closed: July 31, 2008
Before the housing development began, the city hosted one last hurrah at the racecourse. Around 25,000 people attended the Demolition Derby and Concert in the Meadow event in October 2012.
Since then, the area has transformed into a housing complex called Bay Meadows. The old grandstand has made way for houses, condos, parks, playgrounds, and schools—an entirely different experience for residents.
San Mateo now boasts a mix of old and new, with the still standing just a short drive away. It goes to show that casinos have to evolve with the times to survive.
8. Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg, Mississippi
Isn’t it amusing how some casinos are named after ladies and then end up lying wasted? Such is the case for the Lady Luck Casino Vicksburg, which shut down in 2015.
- Location: Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Opening Day: January 23, 2006
- Year Closed: December 1, 2015
Like Tioga Vista Casino & Resort in Texas (previously mentioned), the Lady Luck suffered poor trade in its final years. According to reports, the casino only generated around $98 million per year.
Operators made the difficult decision to close the place, sending the 350 staff members home for the last time. Today, real estate developer Kai-Leikten Wheeler wants to turn the old Lady Luck into lofts, shops, restaurants, and offices.
That’s easier said than done, however. Historic preservation issues are holding up the process, leaving the old lady to rot with her doors wide open, inviting vandals and thieves inside.
9. Mountain View Casino & Hotel, Nevada
Mountain View Casino & Hotel was a local favorite when it come to playing video poker machines. In fact, it was voted “Best Local Casino” in the Las Vegas Weekly’s Best of Vegas 2014 readers poll.
- Location: Mound House, Nevada
- Opening Day: February 14, 2014
- Year Closed: March 31, 2018
Unfortunately, just four years later, it shut its doors forever. Reports suggest that the Mount Moriah Resource Conservation District bought the place because it was in danger of contaminating the groundwater supply.
Was that the real reason? We’ll likely never know. The district hasn’t announced what it plans to do with the property or when anything will happen.
Perhaps the building will be repurposed into something else; perhaps it won’t. Either way, the mountain view no longer has a casino looking out over it.
10. Montcalm County Firehouse Poker Room, Michigan
Stanton’s fire department operated the firehouse poker room in Montcalm County from 2010 to 2017. It was a great source of fundraising for the firefighters, raising thousands of dollars each year.
- Location: Stanton, Michigan
- Opening Day: 2010
- Year Closed: Unknown
At one point, there were five of these poker rooms in operation across Montcalm County. But the department in Hubertus stopped running its room in 2016, and Belvinglon closed the following year.
It’s unknown when or why Stanton’s poker room shut down because the state doesn’t require a license until cashless game revenues reach $600 per day. Therefore, no licenses have ever been publicly issued, making it difficult to keep track of what’s open and closed.
casino roulette tips and tricksThe good news is that the Belvinglon and Hubertus poker rooms are set to reopen sometime this year. Let’s just hope the same thing happens for Stanton’s.
11. Palace Casino & Hotel Agawam, Massachusetts
The Agawam Casino was one of two sister casinos built in the 19th century. It opened its doors to golfers and gamblers in 1999 after undergoing a major renovation project.
- Location: Foxboro, Massachusetts
- Opening Day: August 2, 1999
- Year Closed: March 23, 2000
The casino filed for bankruptcy less than a year after opening, citing harsh winter storms as one of the reasons for poor trade. Just three weeks later, it shuttered its doors for good.
Today, the place stands empty, awaiting a new occupier. The Palace Casino & Hotel Tiverton is still going strong, so maybe the agawam can make a comeback too. Then again, maybe the golfers and gamblers have plenty of action at the sister property.
Massachusetts has seen many closures and openings over the years. If you want to catch up with what’s happening in the Bay State, here’s a helpful guide to .
12. Red Skelton Casino & Hotel, Missouri
Red Skelton Casino & Hotel opened its doors in 1996, with the legendary comedian cutting the ribbon to declare it officially open. Unfortunately, debts soon started mounting up, forcing the venue to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2000.
- Location: Shirley, Missouri
- Opening Day: 1996
- Year Closed: 2002
The casino managed to claw its way out of debt and stayed open for another two years before shutting down for good in 2002. The property eventually went up for sale in 2004, but no one snatched it up.
Fast forward to today, and the site is still empty. There are no immediate plans to transform the old casino into something else. Perhaps someone will buy it and repurpose the land eventually.
On the hunt for something to do in northwest Missouri? Try your luck at .
13. The Silver Slipper Casino, Mississippi
Vega Mae Williams opened the Silver Slipper Casino on September 1, 1995, becoming the state’s first woman to operate a legal gambling establishment. How appropriate, then, that the place became the last casino to shutter its doors in 2020.
- Location: Tunica Resorts, Mississippi
- Opening Day: September 1, 1995
- Year Closed: March 17, 2020
COVID-19 forced the closure, with all other venues in the region having already shut down. The casino reopened shortly after but then closed for good seven months later.
Reports suggest that a new operator, Holmes Countys First Cavalary Foundation, plans to turn the place into a “faith and family friendly” resort. I guess that means no gambling, but we’ll find out for sure further down the line.
If that falls through, the building could be turned into a prison. Yes, really. And if that doesn’t work, local officials have suggested turning the place into a hurricane shelter or burn it down and turn it into a campfire.
Here’s hoping common sense prevails, and the Silver Slipper finds a new purpose soon.
14. Trump Taj Mahal, New Jersey
The Trump Taj Mahal was in debt even before it opened its doors in 1990. Donald Trump had sold his shares in the project just a year prior, passing the baton onto the Inner City 100 Syndicate.
- Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Opening Day: April 2, 1990
- Year Closed: October 10, 2016
Union workers took it upon themselves to go on strike just before the venue was set to reopen in 2016. Their benefits and healthcare had been removed by the new owner, Carl Icahn, who blamed the previous owner’s mismanagement for his actions.
Hard Rock International purchased the Taj Mahal in 2018 and turned it into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. So, it’s not technically among casinos that are now abandoned, although parts of it are empty while they refurbish.
This isn’t the only troubled venue that Donald Trump lent his name to. The Trump Plaza Casino also closed its doors in 2014. Are there any other casinos on this list that he could be connected to? Maybe the Trump Casino in Scotland.
15. Wild West Casino & Hotel, South Dakota
The Wild West Casino & Hotel survived for almost 30 years before calling time in 2020. Like The Silver Slipper Casino in Mississippi, COVID-19 forced the closure, with the venue failing to reopen.
- Location: Buffalo, South Dakota
- Opening Day: June 18, 1990
- Year Closed: April 5, 2020
There haven’t been any updates regarding the site’s future. Many abandoned buildings fall victim to arson and metal thieves, but this one seems relatively untouched.
This leaves enthusiasts hoping that someone will step in to purchase and repurpose the building before it’s too late. The good news is that South Dakota’s Class II gaming market is stronger than ever right now. Perhaps buffalo might graze where gamblers once gathered.
Now that we’ve looked through the United States, let’s check out some international examples.
16. Atlas Tunnel Casino, Monaco
Also known as Tunnel Casino, this establishment sat in the middle of the Tunnel, linking Fontvieille and La Condamine. Built-in 1979, it remained open for almost 40 years before shutting down in 2018.
- Location: Monaco
- Opening Day: Libra 1979
- Year Closed: 2018
Reports suggest that the Atlas Tunnel requires extensive repairs, costing somewhere in the region of €20 million. No one knows whether private investors will step in to cover these costs and reopen the casino or leave it to rot.
People still need somewhere to scratch that gambling itch. The nearest casinos to Monte Carlo are a short drive or train ride away, but the Tunnel Casino would be more convenient. Let’s just wait and see what happens.
Wondering which casinos to visit instead? Check out the best places to play in Monte Carlo.
17. Castelnuovo Casino, Italy
A castle and a casino sound like the perfect combination for a great weekend away. And that’s exactly what you get at Castelnuovo in the province of Avellino, Campania. Or at least you could until 2016.
- Location: Castelnuovo, Italy
- Opening Day: June 1, 1997
- Year Closed: 2016
The casino closed suddenly, forcing around 60 staff members to find alternative employment. Locals protested outside the mayor’s office, demanding answers and the reopening of the venue. But nothing came of it.
Today, the casino lies abandoned and vandalized. People have stolen everything they can carry, including chandeliers and light fixtures. This break-in was so severe that police launched an investigation to try and locate the missing items.
Is there hope for the casino yet? It’s hard to say. The local council has big plans for the area, including the construction of a railway station and a school. But none of that involves using the old casino, unfortunately.
18. Crown Casino Burswood, Australia
The Crown Casino Burswood opened its doors in 1985 under the name Burswood Island Casino. Several ownership changes occurred over the years before Echo Entertainment Group bought the place in 2004 and renamed it Crown Casino Burswood.
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Opening Day: March 1, 1985
- Year Closed: January 31, 2016
Echo Entertainment Group closed the venue ahead of plans to bulldoze it and build something bigger and better. The new Crown Sydney was set to open in 2021, offering 350 hotel rooms and 100 apartments compared to the former’s 146 rooms and 36 apartments.
The new complex is up and running, complete with a rooftop pool and sweeping views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Let’s just hope history doesn’t repeat itself and Crown Sydney enjoys a brighter future than its predecessor.
New Slots For You To Play In November - #6 Has Free Spins!Crown Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious venues in Sydney, but what about the best casinos in Melbourne?
19. La Swallow Club Casino, Belgium
La Swallow Club Casino used to be a private members club where players could enjoy roulette and card games. Sadly, the establishment shut its doors for the final time in 2015.
- Location: Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
- Opening Day: Before 1940
- Year Closed: 2015
According to reports, the building has been put up for sale, and interested parties can snap it up for just under €4 million ($4.6m). The property includes 26 residential apartments spread across four floors.
The ground floor contains commercial premises, including the old casino. It’s unclear what the new owners plan to do with the site, but hopefully, they will restore the casino and reopen it to the public.
Let’s face it: Brussels could benefit from a decent casino, particularly since many have closed in the Belgian capital in recent years.
20. Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, West Virginia
Delaware Park Racetrack & Casino opened in 1995 but was later renamed to Delaware Park. In 1998, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack joined the party, and the two operated independently until 2017.
Following a decline in trade, Delaware Park was acquired by Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in 2017. The new parent company, Penn National Gaming, later revealed plans to connect the two properties with a pedestrian walkway and operate them as a single entity.
Casino Bonus Tips - How to Choose the Best Casino PromotionsHowever, this meant the end was nigh for Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack because its location made it impossible to link the three sites together. The writing was on the wall, and the writing was bold and italic. The island casino-racetroup-hotel place shuttered its doors on December 31, 2018, bringing us to the end of our list.
Curious about the remaining site? is the next stop on your tour.
Why Do Casinos Go Out of Business?
Every business must make a profit to survive. Those that fail to do so will soon join the hundreds of casinos that are now abandoned.
Location, location, location! It’s the three most important things to consider before buying any property, especially a casino.
Look at Resorts International in MS. The company spent $75 million building the casino, and Denise Gary Davis spent a further $50 million fitting it out and installing state-of-the-art equipment. They overlooked one tiny detail: no one wanted to visit the place.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and we can sit here all day pointing fingers and saying, “I wouldn’t have done that!” But sometimes, things are simply out of our control.
Natural disasters, economic downturns, changing legislation, and competition are just some of the factors that can force a casino to close its doors forever.
Resorts World Bimini could have learned from Resorts International’s mistakes before it shut down in 2018. Then again, maybe it did learn, and sadly, the lessons didn’t stick.
So many casinos have gone bust over the years that we could fill pages and pages with more entries for this list. But who has the time or the patience for that?
Feel free to bookmark this page and check back in a couple of years when there are casinos that are now abandoned. Until then, happy hunting!
Footnotes:
- Population data is from .
- Building cost details are from .
Adam is a sports tipster and casino writer who is always looking for ways to beat the house. His favorite sports are boxing and MMA, which he likes to analyze both from a betting angle and enjoyable to watch aspect. His favorite casino games are blackjack and roulette, though he’ll give almost all games a go at least once. Don’t be surprised to see Adam exploring esports betting and poker too.
