Last updated: November 1, 2026
Planning a casino trip over the holiday weekend? You are not alone. Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the busiest times of year at many US casinos, as families travel, people have days off and casinos roll out special promotions. Here is what to expect.
Quick answer: Yes, most US casinos are open on Thanksgiving. Large commercial casinos in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Pennsylvania and Michigan typically run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some smaller venues, racinos and certain tribal casinos may run shorter hours, and restaurants, shows or poker rooms inside a casino may close or change hours. Always check the casino’s own website or call before you go. In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26.
Thanksgiving weekend 2026 at a glance
| Day | Date | What to expect at most casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday (Thanksgiving Eve) | November 25 | One of the busiest travel nights; crowds build in the evening |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | Gaming floor open at most large casinos; holiday buffets; some restaurants closed |
| Black Friday | November 27 | Busy, with promotions at many properties |
| Weekend | November 28–29 | Peak crowds and table minimums, especially Saturday night |
Which casinos stay open on Thanksgiving?
Casino hours depend on the state’s rules, the casino’s licence and the business itself. Broadly, US casinos fall into a few groups:
| Casino type | Typical holiday hours | Examples of where you find them |
|---|---|---|
| Large commercial casino resorts | Open 24/7, including holidays | Las Vegas Strip, Atlantic City, Detroit, Pennsylvania |
| Tribal casinos | Most open 24/7; some smaller ones close overnight | Oklahoma, California, Connecticut, Washington |
| Racinos and smaller venues | Often limited hours; may reduce hours on holidays | Racetrack casinos in several states |
| Card rooms | Varies widely; many are open late on holidays | California card rooms |
| Online casinos (legal states) | Open 24/7 | NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT, DE, RI |
The gaming floor is the part that is usually open around the clock. Other amenities inside the casino run on their own schedules.
What might be closed or different
Even when the slot floor never closes, you may find changes elsewhere in the property on Thanksgiving Day:
- Restaurants and buffets – many casinos offer special Thanksgiving buffets or set menus, but some restaurants close for the day. Reservations often fill up early.
- Poker rooms – usually open, but the tournament schedule can change around holidays.
- Table game minimums – holiday crowds often push minimum bets higher, especially in the evening.
- Shows and entertainment – some venues are dark on the holiday itself, while others schedule special events.
- Cage and services – the cashier cage stays open in 24-hour casinos, but services like check cashing or guest services may run shorter hours.
Are casinos open on Christmas and New Year’s?
Yes. Most large US casinos stay open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve is often one of the busiest nights of the year, with higher table minimums and ticketed events. As with Thanksgiving, smaller venues may cut their hours, so check ahead.
What time does a casino close?
Most big casino resorts do not close at all; the gaming floor runs 24 hours. Casinos that do close usually do so for a few hours overnight, often between about 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., but the exact time depends on the venue and its state rules. The safest move is to check the casino’s “hours” page, which normally lists the gaming floor, poker room, restaurants and cage separately.
Is Thanksgiving a good day to go to a casino?
It depends on what you want from the trip.
Reasons to go:
- Holiday promotions such as bonus free play, prize drawings and special point multipliers for rewards members
- Holiday buffets and dining specials
- A lively atmosphere
Reasons you might wait:
- Bigger crowds, especially from Wednesday night through Sunday
- Higher table minimums at busy times
- Hotel rates are often higher over the long weekend
If you prefer quieter tables and lower minimums, weekday mornings outside holiday periods are usually calmer. On Thanksgiving Day itself, the morning and early afternoon are often quieter than the evening, when people arrive after their family meal.
Tips for a casino trip on Thanksgiving weekend
- Book early. Hotel rooms and buffet reservations at popular casino resorts can sell out for the holiday weekend.
- Plan your travel. Thanksgiving week brings heavy road and air traffic, so allow extra time, especially on Wednesday and Sunday.
- Bring valid ID. You must be 21 or older at most US casinos (some tribal casinos admit guests from 18), and security checks can be stricter on busy nights.
- Check parking and shuttles. Garages fill up quickly at large resorts; some casinos run shuttles from nearby hotels.
- Know the hours that matter to you. The gaming floor may be open 24/7, but the poker room, buffet or a specific restaurant may not be.
Holiday promotions: how to make the most of them
Casinos often use holidays to reward their players. To take advantage:
- Join the rewards program before you visit, so your play is tracked from the first spin.
- Check the promotions page a week ahead; some offers need you to earn points or swipe your card at a kiosk.
- Read the terms on free play: many offers expire within a few days or must be played through once before winnings can be cashed out.
- Set a budget first. A promotion is only good value if you were going to play anyway.
Prefer to stay home? Online casinos never close
If you live in a state with legal online casinos, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island, licensed casino apps are open around the clock on every holiday. Many run Black Friday and holiday promotions too. Compare current offers in our guide to the best online casino bonuses, and read our reviews of BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars Palace Online before you sign up.
Only play at casinos licensed in your state, and you must be 21 or older to play at legal US online casinos.
Not sure which casino brand to try? Our casino reviews compare the licensed apps side by side, and our home page lists all of our state guides.
Holiday gambling: keep it fun
Holidays can mean more spending all round, so set a gambling budget separate from your holiday money and stick to it. Never chase losses, and take breaks to enjoy the people you are celebrating with. If gambling stops being fun, see our responsible gambling tips or call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most large US casinos are open 24 hours on Thanksgiving. Some smaller venues and racinos may reduce hours, so check the casino’s website before you go.
Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday, November 26.
At most large US casinos, yes. The gaming floor usually stays open all night, but restaurants, shows and some services may close early, so check the casino’s holiday hours.
Yes, most large casinos stay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though some restaurants and shows may close.
Many big casino resorts never close their gaming floor. Casinos that do close usually shut for a few hours overnight, depending on the venue and state rules.
Yes. Licensed online casinos in states such as NJ, PA, MI and WV are available 24/7, including holidays, for players 21 and over located in the state.
Sources
21+ only. Gambling involves risk. Play only at casinos licensed in your state. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
