Las Vegas has long held the allure of indulgence, where people can eat, drink, and gamble 24/7. But what about lighting up a cigar in a casino? For cigar aficionados, the ritual of smoking a cigar while placing bets is part of the experience.
However, finding a spot where you can puff on a stogie without raising eyebrows (or alarms) can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we’ll explore where you can enjoy your cigar in Vegas casinos, and we’ll take a look at smoking policies across the U.S., so you’re ready to enjoy a seamless cigar experience at the tables.
Smoking Policies in Las Vegas Casinos
In Las Vegas, smoking is still allowed on most casino floors, which is a big relief for those of us who enjoy pairing a nice smoke with a game of blackjack. While some areas are entirely smoke-free, many casinos do allow smoking on the main gaming floor. Just be aware that you might get the side-eye if you’re lighting up a strong-smelling cigar next to someone who’s only expecting the faint scent of a cigarette. The trick? Know which casinos are cigar-friendly and which ones to skip.
Casinos in Las Vegas That Allow Smoking
To save you the trouble of wandering from casino to casino with a lit cigar, here’s a list of notable Vegas spots where you can comfortably puff away:
- MGM Grand: Smoking is permitted throughout the gaming floor. However, if you stray too far into the restaurants or lounge areas, prepare for a quick “Sir, there’s no smoking here.” Pro tip: keep the cigar confined to the gaming tables, and you’ll be golden.
- Caesars Palace: This iconic casino lets you light up on the floor. Just don’t take your smoke into the lobby or restaurants. There’s something about that Roman theme that makes you feel like cigar smoke just belongs.
- Planet Hollywood: Smoking is allowed on the casino floor, and they even have smoking-optional guest rooms. A safe bet for cigar smokers looking to lounge and gamble without too many restrictions.
- The Venetian & Palazzo: Recently, they brought back smoking at table games after a brief ban. So yes, cigars and cigarettes are both welcome on the main gaming floor, making it a popular pick for cigar fans.
- Resorts World Las Vegas: Here, you’ll find cigar-friendly areas on the gaming floor, but they do keep other areas non-smoking. A good balance, if you ask me.
Each of these casinos gives cigar lovers a reasonable amount of freedom on the gaming floor, but if you wander too far off the beaten path, be prepared to extinguish that Montecristo. Some places are more lenient than others, but overall, Vegas still accommodates the cigar-smoking gambler.
Smoke-Free or Limited-Smoking Casinos in Vegas
For those who want the Vegas experience but prefer it smoke-free (or are with folks who do), here are some spots to avoid bringing a lit cigar:
- Park MGM: Park MGM is the one fully smoke-free casino on the Strip. If you’re a cigar lover, you’ll have to take your smoking break outside. This is a good stop if you’ve got non-smoking companions who don’t want to deal with any haze.
Some casinos also have designated non-smoking sections within the gaming area, so if you’re with friends who aren’t fans of smoke, there’s usually a compromise. However, for cigar smokers who want full freedom, stick to the places above.
Important Considerations for Smoking Cigars in Vegas Casinos
While most casinos allow smoking, cigars can sometimes be a different story. Strong-smelling cigars might turn heads (or noses) even if they’re technically allowed. To have the best experience:
- Stick to casinos that openly allow cigars on the gaming floor.
- Consider timing and location; a less-crowded area or off-peak hours might give you more freedom.
- If your cigar is particularly aromatic, you may want to ask around for cigar-friendly lounges or sections within the casino. Remember your cigar etiquette!
I’ll tell you, I learned about Vegas smoking policies the hard way. One time, I was mid-way through a Cohiba on the blackjack floor at Caesars, and let’s just say I may have underestimated the strength of my smoke.
The guy next to me, who was up by a few grand, looked over with a face that said it all—he cashed out two hands later. Lesson learned: while cigars are welcome in certain spots, you might want to find a corner where you won’t disturb anyone’s winning streak. In life, not everyone will appreciate your stogie!
Smoking Policies in Casinos Across the U.S.
If you’re planning on gambling and smoking outside of Vegas, you’ll find policies can be a lot more restrictive.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City allows smoking on up to 25% of the casino floor, thanks to a recent legal decision. Some casinos have designated smoking sections, but you might need to wander a bit to find a good cigar-friendly corner.
Other U.S. Gambling Destinations
- Pennsylvania: Up to 50% of casino floors are smoking-permitted, but each casino has its own restrictions.
- Harrah’s New Orleans: This casino is entirely smoke-free, a unique policy given that New Orleans is typically quite laid back.
- Connecticut (Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods): Both casinos allow smoking in specific sections but have expanded their non-smoking areas, making it easier to find a cigar-friendly spot.
- California Tribal Casinos: Some tribal casinos in California are entirely smoke-free, though others permit smoking in designated areas.
When in doubt, call ahead or check the casino’s website. Some locations will allow cigarettes but may have stricter policies for cigars.
Finding the Right Casino for Cigar Smokers
If you want to be sure you’ll have a good cigar experience, do a little research on each casino’s smoking policies before you go. Some high-end casinos offer dedicated cigar lounges or smoking rooms where you can enjoy a cigar with some privacy.
For example, in Vegas, you’ll find cigar lounges with fully stocked cigar humidors, such as Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars and Davidoff of Geneva at the Fashion Show Mall. In lounges built for the aficionado, you can take a break from the gaming tables and indulge in a more relaxed setting.
Conclusion: Is Vegas the Best Destination for Cigar Lovers in Casinos?
Las Vegas remains one of the few places where cigar-smoking gamblers can enjoy relative freedom. While smoke-free policies are expanding in many places, Vegas offers options for both cigar lovers and non-smokers. For the best experience, stick to casinos known for being cigar-friendly, and if you’re visiting other U.S. gambling spots, be prepared for more restrictive policies.
So, can you smoke cigars in Vegas casinos? In most, the answer is yes—but as always, it pays to know the lay of the land before you light up.
