Passenger at an Airport Ticketing Counter

An airport isn’t exactly the first hunting ground for any gambler wanting to play slots. However, airports offering slot machines and other casino facilities is a novel and interesting scenario. A place of travel normally associated with stressed out passengers, sometimes-flustered staff, tearful goodbyes, and happy reunions makes a unique setting for those who like to gamble.

5 Airports with Slot Machines

While the concept remains somewhat new, it’s catching on fast. This piece will tell you about airports around the world that offer casino facilities, specifically slot machines. Some of them offer jackpots as big as the ones usually available at standalone casinos.

Heathrow Airport, London, UK

The Heathrow Airport in London is one of 6 such facilities serving The Big Smoke. Others include the London Luton Airport, Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, London Southend Airport, and the London Stansted Airport.

Established in the 1920s, the Heathrow Airport originally opened as a small airfield. However, it has undergone many changes and grown massively over the years and decades to become London’s largest airport.

Slot machines are spread throughout this facility. You will find one in many hallways and sections of the airport. Younger passengers, particularly those from this side of the Atlantic, will appreciate Heathrow’s slot machines. This is because you just need to be 18 or older to spin those reels. Compared to the United States and some other countries, the legal age for gambling in the UK is significantly lower.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Nevada, US

As is evident from the name, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada serves the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by the close presence of Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, this region attracts plenty of visitors every year.

In particular, Reno is a popular gambling destination that welcomes close to 5 million tourists a year. This makes the city one of the most loved tourist spots in North America. However, you don’t need to wait until you’re in the city to head to a casino.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport has an enormous casino spread over 4,100 square-feet. It includes nearly 250 slot machines, while the amazing food is an added bonus. So, whether you’re catching a plane or getting off one, if there’s time, you can easily satisfy your passion for slots by playing at this unique location. As long as you’re of legal gambling age, all you have to do is enter the casino and start spinning!

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Sin City’s McCarran International Airport is the big one on this list. Its slot machines – totaling 1,400 – rank among the most popular in the United States. At times, the place even feels more like a casino than an airport. Then again, it’s located in Vegas so that can hardly be a surprise!

Depending on whether you’re traveling from or to Sin City, myriad slot machines will be visible the moment you step out of a terminal, or step inside one for that matter. Moreover, the McCarran International Airport is arguably your best bet (no pun intended!) at trying to win an airport jackpot.

Over the years, its slot machines have paid out millions in prize money. In 2021, a tourist from Flower Mound, Texas won $302,000 at a Wheel of Fortune slot machine while waiting to board a flight back home. 12 months earlier, another passenger walked away from a penny slots machine at McCarran with $12,000 in her pocket.

As per USA Today, the all-time jackpot record at McCarran is close to $4 million. The variety of options is another reason why people throng to these slot machines while leaving or entering Vegas.

The next time you’re around the place and have an urge to play real money slots, feel free to try those machines at McCarran. Just don’t get too far ahead of yourself and go in with the hope of winning a similar jackpot. Be sensible with your bets and only use money that you can afford to lose. Don’t end up putting all your savings on the line in the hope of earning that life-changing payout.

Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Schiphol Airport in the Dutch capital is an interesting case. One of the largest airports in the Netherlands, it offers slot machines as well as roulette, blackjack, poker, and other table games. The place isn’t exactly McCarran as far as slot machines are concerned. Despite the sheer size of this airport, only a limited number of slot machines are available.

On the flip side, you get the full casino experience, which is something not even McCarran can offer at this point. So, if you’re only interested in playing slots, then the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam would be a disappointment. However, those who want to do more than just spin the reels during their travels can look forward to an exciting casino experience here.

There’s also a meditation center, art exhibit, spa, and science museum at the Schiphol Airport. Furthermore, if you don’t like the casino setup at this airfield, a full-fledged gambling establishment by the name of “Casino Holland” is nearby.

Elko Regional Airport, Nevada, US

We complete this list by heading back to the Battle Born State. The regional airport at Elko houses the “Ramada Elko Hotel & Casino.” A quick shuttle ride from the airport terminal can get you there. Since it’s a regional airfield, the Elko Airport doesn’t see as many passengers compared to the other airports mentioned in this piece.

Nevertheless, the available casino facility, known as “Stockmen’s Casino,” is top-tier. You can enjoy playing slots at this location at any time. However, table games aren’t always open. You can only play those between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM from Monday to Saturday.

Conclusion

Vintage Slot Machine Close-Up
Close-up image of a vintage slot machine in a casino.

Many other airports are expected to provide slot machines and other casino facilities in the future. So, if you’re a frequent traveler, you can look forward to lots of entertainment at airfields around North America and the rest of the world.

Just remember to be careful with airport slots and play within your means the same way you’re likely to do at a standalone casino. Keep following EnjoySlots for further updates on the subject!

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