Circa Las Vegas Review for March 2025

Circa is the newest resort to open in the downtown area of Las Vegas. In fact, it is the first resort built down there since 1980.

It’s fair to say that the downtown area is largely regarded as old-school classic Vegas. Most of the resorts have been open for decades, in fact the oldest hotel, Golden Gate, has been there for over a century.

However, Circa has been a game-changer in the downtown landscape. Standing taller than any other resort, Circa has transformed the skyline and brought the sleek, contemporary, innovative style usually associated with a Strip resort, to the downtown area. 

Circa is a trailblazer, and not only does it stand out from all of the other downtown properties around it, it actually outshines many of the Strip resorts in its look and amenities. I wanted to find out myself what it’s like to stay and gamble at Circa, so I went along.

Circa opened in late 2020 but, due to the Covid, it opened in two phases. 

The pandemic caused a disruption to building schedules and supplies, so the first five floors, including the casino, sportsbook and pool, opened in October 2020 with the hotel opening two months later in December.

The site where Circa stands was previously the home of four renowned Vegas establishments - The Las Vegas Club, Mermaids Casino, La Bayou, and the Glitter Gulch Strip Club.

However, Circa owners Derek and Greg Stevens brought each property out in 2016/17, and demolished them all to develop Circa for a more modern audience. 

Although no one could argue that each of the properties were past their best, and probably needed a good overhaul, they were much-loved and all had a rich history.

The hotel of the Las Vegas Club had been open since 1908, with the club operating from 1930, while Mermaids Casino had been open under different names since 1956.

La Bayou opened as a coffee house back in 1913, but changed to the Northern Club in the 1920’s offering liquor and gambling discreetly through the prohibition era. The club also received the first Nevada gambling licence and was owned at one time by famous Las Vegas mobster Bugsy Siegel. 

Meanwhile the Glitter Gulch Strip Club was the stuff of legends. The club had a long runway style platform and featured the top adult entertainers and centrefold ladies in its heyday. Outside the club was the famous Vegas Vickie neon sign, which now has pride of place as a big feature in the centre of Circa.

It is not the only nod to history though, the name Circa was chosen as a homage to past casino builders and their legacy. There are also several other interior features, including the Legacy rooftop club which honours prominent Las Vegas figures. 

When Circa opened it’s fair to say it caused a bit of a ripple amongst Vegas regulars. Many believed that the downtown area should remain unmodernised and true to the old classic Las Vegas style and atmosphere.

However, it is a completely unique resort offering some of the most modern and impressive amenities you will find anywhere in the world. The sportsbook and Stadium Swin features are particularly impressive and attract a whole new audience to the area.

Incidentally, the Stevens brothers who own Circa, also own the Golden Gate and The D, which are neighbouring casino resorts downtown. Circa is, by far, the jewel in the crown, though.

Circa is the only downtown casino resort to receive the AAA Four Diamond rating, and it is an over 21’s property, meaning all visitors must show ID on entry. 

Location 

Circa is located in the downtown area of Las Vegas on Fremont Street. Due to its position, it is one of seven casino resorts that sit within the Fremont Street Experience. 

That means that just outside of its doors is the world’s largest LED canopy video screen at 1,375 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet in the air. 

The Fremont Street Experience is a pedestrian area providing nightly live music, outdoor bars, street entertainers, Viva Vision light shows as well as the Slotzilla Zip Line. Circa is ideally situated at one end of it, so you’re right in the thick of the action.

The downtown area of Las Vegas is ideal for people who enjoy visiting lots of casinos but who don’t want to walk far. Unlike the Strip, everything downtown is within walking distance so it’s easy to explore the full area from Circa on foot.

Getting downtown from the Strip is another matter though, and requires transport either by taxi, rideshare or bus. The Deuce bus is the cheapest option and it runs all the way down the full length of the Strip to the downtown area. A little warning though, it stops almost everywhere so don’t use it if you’re in a hurry.

If you’re arriving into Harry Reid International Airport, then the fixed rate taxi fee doesn’t apply to downtown properties like the Strip, so you can expect to pay around $30-$40 for the journey.

Meanwhile, if you’re arriving by car, Circa has its own high-tech parking garage called Garage Mahal. The eight-story garage has spaces for just under 1,000 cars and costs $4 per hour or $25 per day.

The casino at Circa is split over two floors with around 80,000 square feet of gaming space in total. 

It is the biggest casino floor in downtown Las Vegas and has all the latest video slots with a small selection of traditional games too.

Circa is loud. It’s probably best to get that out of the way first. If you don’t like loud music, then you might struggle to like Circa. In fact, it’s a trademark of all Derek Stevens’ properties downtown. 

As are ‘dancing dealers’, so don’t be surprised to see a few women strutting their stuff in between the table games.

You can still just about hear the bells and whistles of the slot machines if you listen closely but just be prepared for a heady soundtrack accompanying your gambling. 

Along with the music, you’ll find a vibrant, modern, sleek casino bathed in blues, golds and silvers. The lower floor is flanked by trendy bars either side and upstairs there’s a range of bars and restaurants around the casino floor. 

Both casino floors give spectacular views of the Circa sportsbook which has to be seen to be believed and the stunning Vegas Vickie neon sign in the centre of the casino floor. 

It’s safe to say that Circa appeals to the younger crowd generally, it has a contemporary feel, a sleek finish and did I mention the loud music?

Table Games Selection

The main table games area is right in the centre of the lower casino floor, and I counted just over 50 tables in total.

All the classic casino games were on offer including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat as well as three card poker and other poker pit games.

The smallest minimum bet I saw was $15 but it was a busy afternoon when I visited so this may differ at quieter or busier times. Single-deck blackjack was 6:5 but there are some eight deck games that pay 3:2 on the main floor. I couldn’t see any single zero roulette, just double, so I stopped and played for a little while. 

As you would expect from a newer resort, the standard and quality of the table games was high. The surroundings were immaculate, the dealers well-presented, and the tables and chairs were in excellent condition. I didn’t have much luck at the table unfortunately, but it was a nice place to play and there was a fun vibe.  

Classic table games:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Craps
• Baccarat

Variants: 

• Face Up Pai Gow Poker
• Three Card Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em 
• Free bet Blackjack

If you prefer playing electronic table games, then there’s a good selection at Circa on both casino floors. As well as a stadium gaming set-up, there’s also individual and multiplayer games too. 

Circa doesn’t have a poker room, in fact there is a distinct shortage of poker rooms in downtown Las Vegas full stop. Golden Nugget has the last remaining one, so if poker is your game, then that’s where to go.

Slots

There are 1350 slot games at Circa, most of which are modern video slots, and they are laid out over two floors.

What I did like about Circa casino is that many of the slots are presented in a really visually attractive way. 

There’s up and over cabinets that form a circular pod with four slot games inside which really immerses you in the game. There are also large striking backboards on some of the games that catch your attention and make you want to play. Plus, they have a real mix of cabinet sizes, so it all feels very visually dynamic and stimulating. 

Circa has a great selection of slots in terms of variety too so there’s plenty of choice to keep you entertained. There’s also enough space around most of the slots to play comfortably without it feeling cramped or crowded.

Some of the most popular games you can find at Circa include:

• Big Hot Flaming Pots
• NFL Super Bowl Jackpots
• The Mask
• Huff n Even More Puff
• Planet Moolah
• Dragon Link 
• Jackpot Carnival
• Wheel of Fortune

I enjoyed a good run on Journey to the Planet Moolah while in the casino hitting 60 free spins, so that was fun. 

Bar-Top Gaming

Bar-top games are available at the Mega Bar and the Overhang Bar at Circa.

The Mega Bar is the longest bar in Vegas and is on the lower level at the casino near the entrance. Meanwhile the Overhang bar is on the second floor and overlooks Circa Sportsbook.

To play bar-top games, just pull up a chair, insert some money and choose your game. You will usually find a few variations of video poker and a small selection of other games. 

You will receive complimentary drinks as long as you’re betting on the game terminals. This is usually managed through a light system that notifies the bartender when you’ve played enough to warrant a drink.

Many visitors and locals while away whole afternoons playing bar-top games and watching sports, while receiving free drinks. It’s a popular Vegas pastime for sure!

You can usually order beers, cider, spirits, cocktails and wine, but if there’s something you want specifically just ask. Although the drinks are comped, remember to always tip your server.

Circa Sportsbook

Circa has the largest sports betting experience in the world, which is the flagship feature inside of the resort. I remember walking in and seeing it for the first time and just being wowed. 

With seating for 1,000 people including private booths, boxes and recliners, you can enjoy three storeys of high-definition video screens showing all the big games, a large odds board, and multiple video poker terminals. There’s no doubt about it, Circa Sports is a sports lover’s and gambler’s dream. 

Anyone can take a look at Circa Sports, its right on the casino floor and visible from upstairs and downstairs. However, if you want to get a seat during a popular sports day, you have to reserve one and they don’t come cheap.

Seats range from $150 for a basic seat all day to all-inclusive food and beverage packages and balcony boxes for $4,000. On a busy sports day, Circa Sports is packed out and the atmosphere is electric. Even if you don’t enjoy sports, the Circa sportsbook is a must-see in Downtown Las Vegas.

Waitress Service 

Circa offers complimentary drinks service on the casino floor as with all Vegas resorts. The servers circulate around the table games and slots offering gamblers drinks, in return for a tip.

The good news is, it doesn’t matter what you’re betting, so you can still get drinks even if you’re spinning at 50c a spin. Beers, wine, spirits, soft drinks and cocktails are usually on offer, although some casinos also do ciders, prosecco and champagne too. Just ask your server what they offer and they will give you the options.

The quality and quantity of the drinks differs in each casino but being honest, I have never had great waitress service at Circa personally. On my handful of visits, I think I’ve only been offered a drink only once or twice which is disappointing.

However, there are ways of improving waitress service in casinos if this is important to you. Sitting in a particularly busy area always helps, or playing slots right beside where the waitresses make up the orders to catch their eye usually does the trick. 

If you want good return service, always give a decent tip for the first drink, between $5 - $10 dollars is a good guide. That usually prompts the server to come back for a second and third order and you can tip $1-$5 per drink after that depending on what you order. 

High Limit Gaming at Circa Casino  

On the second floor of Circa casino, there is a high limit table games salon and a high limit slot room next door to each other. 

Both areas offer an elevated casino experience with elegant furnishings, chandeliers and lush carpets. The table games salon looks particularly extravagant with thick drapes at the entrance. It almost looks theatrical.

Both rooms are fairly small though. There are around 25 -30 slot games in the slot room, with a mix of old and new games with higher denominations. The table games area had about five or six tables, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

In terms of gambling minimums, you can play slots from $5 per spin, and table games start from $100 minimum bet. If you can afford to pay this, then the high limit areas are worth it for the extra luxury and more personal waitress service. 

Cash and Payment Options 

To gamble at Circa you’ll need cash in hand, as card payments aren’t accepted on the casino floor. There are ATM’s available in the resort, but these almost always charge an inflated withdrawal fee, so only use them if you have to.

Cash is inserted directly into the slot machine to start spinning and when you make a withdrawal it comes out as a voucher rather than cash. The voucher is called a TITO (Ticket in Ticket Out) and you can insert it in to another machine to continue gambling or take it to a redemption machine for cash.

If you want to play at the tables, you hand cash directly to the dealer and they present you with chips. When you want to cash out, just take the chips to the cashier desk to exchange them for money.

There are just over 500 rooms currently available at Circa, however, it has the capacity for 777 rooms. When it opened, it was decided to hold off developing the upper floors to see which rooms would be higher in demand. Four more floors are expected to open in late 2024, taking the capacity to around 620.

The property rises 480 feet in total making it one of the tallest buildings in Las Vegas. It overlooks the Fremont Street Experience canopy and offers views of the Las Vegas Strip from its upper rooms.

As previously mentioned, Circa is like no other property in downtown Las Vegas. It is also far superior to many of the older Strip resorts. The property oozes contemporary, high-tech, ground-breaking features and these standards are translated not only in the casino, but in the bars, restaurants, amenities and accommodation too.

Circa Rooms

There is a vast selection of different room types at Circa ranging from a 440 square feet standard room to a 1,830 square feet Founders Suite. 

Options include Strip Views, Stadium Swim views, Corner Suites, Sunrise and Sunset Suites and even a Bunk Pad. Incredibly, there are 26 different room types in total. 

I chose to stay in a Standard King Room which was the cheapest and although I didn’t pay for a view, I got a view of both Stadium Swim and the Strip which was a bonus.

The room was well laid out and immaculately presented. With a theme of blue, cream and gold, which matches the casino, my room felt a lot bigger than it was.

Although everything was in one room, it felt more like a suite as there was a living area to one side of the room. This had a comfortable blue sofa and a coffee table, and there was also desk space with a chair and a separate table and chair too. 

Near the entrance of the room was a wardrobe area with plenty of storage as well as a steamer, and a safe. And along with drawer space, there was also a personal fridge to store your own items and a good-sized TV.

The bathroom was one of the best features of the room by far. It was much bigger than I expected, had dual sinks, a huge shower with seating and complimentary toiletries all with a luxurious finish.

Everything in the room was controlled by an electronic tablet including temperature, lighting and the drapes. I could even make reservations and request housekeeping using the tablet too. All-in-all, I really enjoyed my stay at Circa and would definitely stay again. 

Bars 

There are several bars inside and outside of Circa, all of which have an upbeat and lively atmosphere. We’ll run through the main ones below:

Mega Bar – Nevada’s longest indoor bar at 165 feet long, you can watch sports on one of 40 TV’s, play bar-top games, enjoy the range of 120 different beers and be dazzled by the talented bartenders who do tricks while pouring. It’s called Mega for a reason!

Overhang Bar – Offering excellent views of Circa Sportsbook from the upper floor, you can play bar-top games and enjoy craft cocktails in sophisticated surroundings

Vegas Vickie’s – Retro lobby bar with a luxurious and elegant feel overlooking Vegas Vickie herself.

Circa Bar – The longest outdoor bar in the Fremont Street Experience, you can enjoy one of 24 flavoured frozen cocktails served by dancing bartenders at Circa Bar and enjoy all the action and live music around you.

Legacy Club – Exclusive rooftop cocktail lounge with stunning panoramic views of Las Vegas. You can sip signature cocktails in the luxury lounge or get cozy by the fire pit on the outdoor terrace. The Legacy Club also features a stunning display of 1,000 ounces of gold presented in a tower of gold bars encased in a glass display. 

Buffets and Restaurants 

The most high-end dining option at Circa is Barry’s Downtown Prime Steaks and Cocktails. Offering vintage glamour but with a modern twist on classic steak favourites, it’s somewhere to get a bit dressed up for a special experience.

The other food options at Circa are more casual. My favourite is 8East. Offering pan-Asian cuisine, I adore the Brisket Fried Rice Entrée which is only $20 and will fill you up for most of the day. 

Victory Burger and Wings Co is another casual food option with a range of, yes, you’ve guessed it, burgers, wings and other appetisers. Meanwhile Saginaw’s Delicatessen offers a delicious selection of sandwiches in a diner-style setting. 

For food on-the-go, just outside of Circa on Fremont Street Experience, there’s Project BBQ offering freshly smoked BBQ specialities and sandwiches. 

There is no buffet at Circa. The only downtown buffet is at Main Street Station's Garden Food Court which is just a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Shows and Entertainment 

Circa doesn’t have any resident shows, it relies more on its amenities and features to provide the entertainment.

Circa Sports is a huge draw to the resort as is Stadium Swim which we’ll cover in the next section.

Sports in general features heavily at Circa with regular watch parties organised with special drinks and promotions for big sporting events.

The Vegas Vickie sign is also a tourist attraction due to its restoration and significance in the Vegas history books. 

Of course, the main attraction downtown is the Fremont Street Experience, which is just outside Circa’s door with nightly live entertainment. 

The Stadium Swim complex at Circa, like the Sportsbook, is absolutely pioneering in terms of the experience it offers. There is simply nothing else like it in the world. However, if you want to enjoy a spa, unfortunately you’ll have to look elsewhere as Circa doesn’t have one. 

Pool 

Open all year round, Stadium Swim offers six heated pools on three different levels all overlooking a 40-foot-tall high definition screen showing all types of sports. It’s basically a continuation of the Circa sportsbook, only you wear a bathing suit!

Anyone staying at Circa can get free access to the pool, as can guests at the two other Derek Stevens properties downtown – The Golden Gate and The D. However, non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass for Stadium Swim from between $20 - $40 depending on the day.

As well as free loungers, there are a huge range of more luxurious pool-side comfort available to hire. Options include Stadium Booths, Day Beds, Cabana’s, Water Couches, Poolside Boxes and even Owners Suites. 

Stadium Swim has a party pool vibe generally, and it gets even more lively when they host watch parties and events. UFC Fight Night watch parties happen regularly for example and if you reserve a bed, then there is usually a minimum spend requirement. 

If you want a pool experience with a difference, then Stadium Swim is a must-visit. As a guest of Circa I had free access, so I spent a couple of hours there and it was amazing.

Spa

As of 2025, there is no spa at Circa, although you could easily see it being added in at a later date.

Club One is the name of the rewards club that operates across Circa, Golden Gate and the D.

To join, simply take some photographic ID along to the Club One rewards desk at any of the above mentioned resorts and fill in a registration form. You must be 21 or older to join. 

Once signed up, you can use your Club One card to build up reward points by playing slots, video poker, and table games and also by placing bets in the sportsbook. 

When gambling, insert your card directly into the slot or hand it to your dealer at the tables. 

The points you earn can then be used to climb the status tiers at Club One and help you receive a range of discounts and perks.

There are three different status tiers in Club One, the higher your status, the more benefits you receive as follows:

• Gambler (0 – 5,999 Points) – Entry to members events and promotions, discounted hotel stays, early entry to Stadium Swim, rental car discounts
• Maverick (6,000 – 29,999 Points) – all of the above plus room upgrades where available, complimentary early check-in/late check-out, priority dining reservations, complimentary self-parking
• Legend (30,000 Points) -  all of the above plus VIP check-in, complimentary limousine service to airport, complimentary valet parking, priority lines at Club One desk, hotel check-in and restaurants. 

Even on the lowest Club One tier (Gambler) you can receive some rewards, such as invitations to members-only events and promotions and slot freeplay. You’ll receive $1 in slot freeplay for every 100 points you earn. 

Circa has been a pioneer in a number of ways and not just in Las Vegas. 

It has certainly transformed the landscape of downtown Vegas and brought something ultra-modern into this more retro part of the city. It remains to be seen if, and when, other new developments might follow Circa’s lead.

However, it’s not just in Vegas that Circa has broken new ground. Both Circa Sportsbook and Stadium Swim are world class amenities that have received global attention.

From a visitors perspective, Circa is a fun place to stay. I found my room to be spacious and well-presented, the casino was lively and varied, and there was just enough food and drink options to keep me going for a few days.

Remember, there are another 11 casino resorts all within 10 minutes walking distance, so there is plenty of other food and drink choice close-by if needed. 

I only have two negatives when it comes to staying at Circa, one is the need to present ID every time you enter the casino.

I understand the policy of allowing over 21’s only, but when you’re a guest coming in and out of the property sometimes several times a day, it can be a chore to have to re-present your ID for scanning every time you return. And sometimes you have to queue for it too. 

Secondly, and I know I’m at risk of sounding like a killjoy here, but the music is constantly loud. I understand the desire to keep an upbeat, youthful ambience to the place, but I would query whether in trying to create an atmosphere, it actually dampens one. 

I certainly find the music to be an obstacle when it comes to enjoying the full sensory experience of the slots and it actually discourages me from chatting to fellow guests and gamblers too. But that’s just my personal experience, for some it may be exactly what they enjoy.

Regardless of these little blips, I do think Circa is an incredible casino resort and I look forward to returning.