Gambling is an exciting way to pass the time on a Friday night, but even if you don’t gamble, casinos still have a lot of other entertainment value to offer. For those in the Hudson Valley, you can spend a night at one of many great casinos nearby and try your luck. These casinos also regularly host events like concerts, conferences, and more— so don’t think they’re for gambling only.
You can keep up to date on casino news and promotions by periodically checking out sites like casinos.com that consolidate that news into one location. Here are some of the closest casinos to the Hudson Valley area that you should consider the next time you want some rest and relaxation.
Resort World Hudson Valley
Resort World Hudson Valley is almost certainly the closest casino for anyone in the area. With 60,000 square feet of gaming floor and 1,200 slot machines, there’s sure to be something for everyone. There are also plenty of electronic table games for blackjack, roulette, craps, and more.
This casino only offers electronic games, so if you’re looking to play blackjack or poker at a table, you’ll have to head elsewhere. They also have a reward program that is applicable at any Resort World casino. Points can be redeemed for free plays, food, and merch, among other things. All-in-all, it’s a decent place if you’re looking to kill some time with friends one night downtown.
Mohegan Sun
Arguably one of the most popular casinos in the state of Connecticut, Mohegan Sun might be far for some Hudson Valley residents. Still, if you’re looking for an authentic casino experience, this is the one. Mohegan Sun is located in the Eastern portion of CT and can be a three-hour drive depending on your location and traffic.
The casino features over 300 tables, almost 4,000 slot machines, and over 300,000 square feet of total gaming space. It’s easily the largest casino in the area and the second-largest casino in America. That’s right; it beats out any Las Vegas casino or casino in New York.
Besides gaming, the Mohegan Sun Arena routinely holds different live music and entertainment event. Artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce, Fleetwood Mac, and tons of other musicians have hosted events at the Sun Arena.
Foxwoods Resort and Casino
The third largest casino in America, Foxwoods Resort and Casino is in a similar vein as Mohegan. It’s also about three hours from Hudson Valley and is actually pretty close to Mohegan, meaning that you could hit both of them on the same day if you wanted to.
Foxwoods has over 3,000 slot machines, 250 tables, poker rooms, bingo, and everything else you can think of. While it’s slightly smaller than Mohegan, it is still a popular destination for players from Massachusets, New York, Rhode Island, and other nearby states. They also have live shows from big names but don’t have as large of a venue as Mohegan. Foxwoods’ Premier Theater can seat around 4,000 people.
MGM Springfield
Slightly closer than Mohegan and Foxwoods but smaller, MGM Springfield is a great option for those on their way to Boston or staying overnight in Springfield. This casino has over 1,500 slot machines, 100+ table games, a poker room, and other standard casino amenities.
There are a few bars and clubs inside the casino, along with the great nightlife that Springfield has to offer, making it a decent choice for younger crowds looking to socialize and have fun. Symphony Hall and other nearby music venues often hold concerts and various artists if you’re looking for live music.
Like Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, MGM Springfield also offers hotel rooms for guests looking to spend the night and leave in the morning, making it more accessible to people travelling from far away. You might even be able to snag a free room if you become a member and play enough at the casino.
Empire City Casino
Closer to the Hudson Valley, Empire City Casino in Yonkers is probably familiar to everyone in the area. Empire City is known for its electronic games and betting on horse races. It’s a great option for those not looking to stray far from home and hit the casinos in Connecticut, but it does have some drawbacks when compared to those.
For one, it’s not as big as Mohegan or Foxwoods and lacks some of the gaming amenities they have. It also doesn’t have as great of an entertainment venue, but you’re right next to New York City. You can easily head to downtown Manhattan and catch a show or performance before heading back to the casino for some gambling fun.
In short, there are plenty of Casinos nearby for residents of the Hudson Valley area. Whether you hit up the casino downtown and check out a new electronic casino or drive further out to Eastern Connecticut for the 2nd largest casino in America, there’s something for everyone in the area.
