Airport casinos offer a convenient and entertaining way to pass time while waiting for a flight. Many passengers arrive well in advance, often with two to three hours to spare. In case of a layover, the wait can last several hours or even overnight. In such situations, access to airport casinos, gaming zones, or slot machine lounges can turn a tedious wait into engaging entertainment. Sometimes, visiting these gaming areas can even result in a profitable experience.
Winning at Airport Casinos
An appealing bonus: depending on the country, winnings from airport casinos or slot machines may be tax-free. For example, in the United Kingdom, since 2001, individuals can retain 100% of their gambling winnings, regardless of amount or location, including airport casinos. The same applies in France and Germany, provided the win is occasional and the player is not a professional gambler.
In the United States, all gambling income-including from airport casinos – is taxed at 24% for U.S. citizens and 30% for foreign nationals. Spain exempts gambling income up to €40 from taxation; higher sums are taxed at 19–23%, depending on the amount.
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Casinos at Major Airports Worldwide
A fully operational casino inside a terminal remains a rarity. In most cases, travellers seeking gaming entertainment will find slot lounges rather than full-scale casinos. Until 2018, only a few locations in the U.S. and Europe offered services comparable to traditional gambling halls. Today, the following hubs host the most prominent airport casinos:
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, USA
Terminals 1 and 3 feature over 1,300 slot machines and gaming areas. This is one of the largest airport casinos globally. Players here can aim for substantial jackpots ranging from $1 to $1.6 million.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA), Cyprus
Since December 2018, C2 Larnaca, a mini-casino operated by Cyprus Casinos, has been available inside the terminal. It features two gaming areas one in the departures hall (for passengers only) and another in the arrivals zone (open to the public). The venue provides 42 electronic slot machines operating 24/7.
Airports with Slot Machines and Gaming Zones
While traditional airport casinos are rare, several hubs maintain slot machine lounges or gaming areas. Among these, Reno-Tahoe stands out as a prominent example.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Nevada, USA
RNO offers a gaming space of approximately 4,100 ft² (380 m²) directly inside the terminal. It hosts over 200 machines, including slots, video poker, and games like Wheel of Fortune.
Gaming machines are located in the terminal lobby, on bar tops at the ends of Concourses B and C, and in the central area between them.
Access is restricted to passengers aged 21 and above. Machines are turned off late at night.
RNO is one of the few locations where airport casinos still provide a genuine gambling experience.
Despite the appeal, most European capital airports do not operate airport casinos or slot lounges. They typically offer gaming zones only. The table below outlines entertainment options in major European airports:
| Capital | Airport | Gambling in Terminal | Gaming Zone | Nearby Casino |
| Paris | CDG, Orly | No | Yes (PS4/5) | No |
| Amsterdam | Schiphol | No | Yes (VR/arcade) | No |
| Berlin | BER | No | Possibly | No |
| Madrid | Barajas | No | No arcade | Toka (~1 km) |
About London Airports and Nearby Casinos
Since around 2010, all gambling facilities have been removed from London’s major airports. Heathrow, the UK’s largest, no longer hosts any gaming areas. Previously, Terminal 5 featured a "Voyager" entertainment zone with 26 machines. Currently, there is no evidence that it is still in operation. The absence of airport casinos at Heathrow has led many to seek nearby venues.
Alternative Gambling Venues Near Heathrow
Travellers seeking excitement can visit the following establishments close to Heathrow:
- Admiral Hounslow (slot lounge, 192 High Street, TW3 1HL) – ~19 min;
- Royal Casino Slots (1-2 Cressys Corner, Lampton Rd, TW3 1HA) – ~16 min;
- The Crown & Sceptre (pub with poker events, 1–3 Heston Rd, TW5 0RF) – ~15 min.
Estimates based on taxi or chauffeur service travel.
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Other Major London Airports
- Gatwick (LGW): No gambling areas or machines;
- London City (LCY): No facilities; nearest option: Aspers Casino Stratford (~20 min);
- Luton (LTN): No gaming zones; closest is Grosvenor Casino Luton (~10 min drive);
- Stansted (STN): No slot lounges; nearest: Merkur Slots Harlow (~30 min drive);
Other Chauffeur Services and Airport Transfers.
Debunking Airport Casino Myths
Online sources sometimes falsely claim casino presence at certain airports. Below are common misconceptions:
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Pennsylvania ❌ No gaming areas inside. ✅ Nearest: Rivers Casino Pittsburgh – ~20 min by taxi.
Elko Regional Airport (EKO), Nevada ❌ No machines inside the terminal. ✅ Nearest: Ramada Elko Hotel and Casino – ~1 km away.
Chauffeured Trips to Airport Casinos
Travelling to airport casinos or nearby venues with a personal chauffeur may seem luxurious, but it offers tangible benefits especially for late-night flights, unfamiliar areas, or trips with luggage:
- Privacy: No other passengers, no questions just you and your driver.
- Safety: A professional chauffeur ensures personal and property security from pick-up to arrival.
- Time management: Your driver monitors traffic and scheduling, so you can relax.
- Comfort: Spacious cabins, climate control, and peace on the road prepare you for the excitement ahead.
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