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United States

New Orleans

The Crescent City — jazz, cuisine, Mardi Gras, and Louisiana's only land-based casino

New Orleans is one of America's most distinctive cultural destinations — renowned for its French Quarter, Creole cuisine, jazz tradition, and Mardi Gras. Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah's New Orleans) is the only land-based casino in New Orleans proper, operating under a special state licence. The legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21.

21
Min. Gambling Age
~19M
Annual Visitors
1 (in city)
Land-Based Casinos
Louisiana
State

Top Casinos in New Orleans

Caesars New Orleans

Commercial Casino
9.0

Louisiana's only land-based commercial casino in the heart of the French Quarter — 100,000+ sq ft gaming, luxury hotel, Nobu & Horseshoe brands under the Caesars umbrella.

HotelPoker RoomSportsbook
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Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Racino
7.5

New Orleans's historic thoroughbred racetrack since 1872 — live Thanksgiving-to-March racing, 500+ slots & the 3rd-oldest racetrack in the United States.

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Games Available in New Orleans

♠ Poker Rooms in New Orleans

Poker room availability verified from public casino listings. Always confirm schedules directly with the venue.

Sportsbooks in New Orleans

💃 Top Nightclubs in New Orleans

The Spotted Cat Music Club New Orleans

Frenchmen Street New Orleans

The Spotted Cat is the most beloved jazz club on Frenchmen Street — a Faubourg Marigny institution presenting outstanding New Orleans jazz and swing music seven nights a week. The Spotted Cat's remarkable contribution to keeping traditional New Orleans jazz vibrant and its extraordinary Frenchmen Street presence create a music club of genuine Louisiana jazz cultural significance.

Chickie Wah Wah New Orleans Louisiana Bar

Mid-City New Orleans

Chickie Wah Wah is one of New Orleans's most respected independent music venues — a Mid-City institution presenting outstanding jazz, funk, and New Orleans music in an intimate neighborhood setting. Chickie Wah Wah's remarkable role in supporting New Orleans's working musicians and its genuine neighborhood character create a music venue of authentic Louisiana community musical significance.

Tipitina's New Orleans

Uptown New Orleans

Tipitina's is New Orleans' most beloved music club — an Uptown institution since 1977 named for a Professor Longhair song where R&B, Zydeco, funk, and second-line music are presented in the most authentically New Orleans music environment outside of the French Quarter. Professor Longhair's spiritual home, the Neville Brothers' regular venue, and Allen Toussaint's favored stage create a music experience that represents New Orleans' extraordinary musical heritage at its most genuine.

Republic New Orleans

CBD / Warehouse District

Republic New Orleans is the city's most important electronic music venue — a Warehouse District club presenting world-class DJs and electronic music producers in a beautifully designed 1,100-capacity space. New Orleans' extraordinary musical heritage creates a particularly rich context for electronic music — a city where DJ culture emerged from the same African and Caribbean rhythmic traditions that created jazz, creating one of the most musically sophisticated electronic music communities in America.

Maison Frenchman Street New Orleans

Marigny / Frenchman Street

Frenchman Street is New Orleans' most authentic contemporary music destination — a Faubourg Marigny corridor of clubs, bars, and jazz rooms where the living tradition of New Orleans music is performed nightly by working musicians who represent the city's extraordinary musical inheritance. In contrast to Bourbon Street's tourist-focused entertainment, Frenchman Street presents music rooted in genuine New Orleans traditions for an audience that spans local musicians, serious music lovers, and visitors seeking the real New Orleans.

Tropical Isle New Orleans Nightclub

Bourbon Street New Orleans

Tropical Isle is Bourbon Street's most beloved entertainment institution — the home of the Hand Grenade (the most powerful drink in New Orleans, as boldly advertised). Bourbon Street's extraordinary 24-hour entertainment culture and Tropical Isle's remarkable role as a French Quarter landmark create a nightclub experience of genuine New Orleans tourist entertainment cultural significance.

🍸 Bars & Lounges in New Orleans

Sazerac Bar

Central Business District

The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans (Waldorf Astoria) is home to the Sazerac — considered the world's oldest cocktail and New Orleans's official drink. The fully restored Art Deco room with Paul Ninas murals and rye whiskey-focused programme is a landmark for serious cocktail drinkers, located next to Harrah's casino on Canal Street.

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Blue Nile Frenchman Street New Orleans

Frenchman Street Marigny

Blue Nile is Frenchman Street's most beloved music lounge — a Marigny establishment presenting the finest funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop alongside traditional jazz in an intimate two-floor setting that represents New Orleans' music culture at its most genuinely diverse. New Orleans' extraordinary musical ecosystem creates venues like Blue Nile where multiple musical traditions coexist in a single room, reflecting the city's unique capacity to contain all of American music within its borders.

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The Loa Bar

CBD / Warehouse District

The Loa Bar at International House Hotel is one of New Orleans's most creative cocktail lounges — named for the spirits (loae) of Haitian Vodou, with cocktails built around seasonal Louisiana produce, local spirits, and voodoo-inspired naming. The hotel bar's intimate scale and inventive programme make it a destination for serious cocktail drinkers visiting the city's gaming district.

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The Bombay Club

French Quarter

The Bombay Club is a sophisticated cocktail lounge in the French Quarter renowned for its martini menu — over 100 variations — and nightly live jazz piano. The British colonial-themed interior with leather chairs and dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere for cocktail connoisseurs visiting the gaming and entertainment district.

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Carousel Bar & Lounge

French Quarter

The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone is one of the world's few rotating bars — a 25-seat merry-go-round bar that completes one full revolution every 15 minutes. In continuous operation since 1949, it was a favourite of authors Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. A French Quarter landmark for cocktail lovers visiting New Orleans.

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Buffa's Bar New Orleans

Tremé / Marigny

Buffa's is one of New Orleans' most beloved neighborhood bars — an Esplanade Avenue institution presenting live music seven nights a week in the most authentic non-tourist New Orleans bar atmosphere available to visitors. The Tremé neighborhood's extraordinary African American cultural heritage (the oldest continuously inhabited African American neighborhood in the United States), combined with Buffa's genuine community spirit, creates a bar experience that represents the most authentic face of New Orleans hospitality.

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🎭 Shows & Live Entertainment in New Orleans

Civic Theatre New Orleans Louisiana Concert

Poydras New Orleans

Civic Theatre New Orleans is the city's most atmospheric concert venue — a beautifully renovated 1906 theater presenting major concerts in a magnificent 1,200-capacity historic space. New Orleans's extraordinary concert culture (it hosts more live music per capita than any American city) and Civic Theatre's remarkable programming of outstanding touring acts create a concert venue of genuine Louisiana entertainment significance.

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Joy Theater New Orleans Louisiana Concerts

Canal Street New Orleans

Joy Theater is New Orleans's most beloved mid-size concert venue — a beautifully renovated 1947 Canal Street theater presenting outstanding concerts and special events. Joy Theater's extraordinary art deco setting and its remarkable programming of outstanding touring acts create a concert venue of genuine New Orleans entertainment historical significance.

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Smoothie King Center New Orleans

Smoothie King Center is New Orleans' most important indoor entertainment venue — a 19,000-capacity arena home to the New Orleans Pelicans NBA team and one of the South's most active concert arenas. New Orleans' extraordinary tradition of civic celebration (the city that gave America Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the second-line parade) creates an entertainment culture of infectious communal joy that makes Pelicans games and arena concerts among the most celebratory sports entertainment experiences in the NBA.

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New Orleans Caesars Superdome

CBD New Orleans

Caesars Superdome is one of the most famous stadiums in the world — the home of the New Orleans Saints NFL team (Super Bowl XLIV champions), site of six Super Bowls, and the venue where Beyoncé and the most significant stadium concerts in American history have been performed. The Superdome's extraordinary history (from serving as the shelter of last resort during Hurricane Katrina to the Saints' emotional return and championship run) makes it the most emotionally resonant sports venue in the United States.

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French Quarter

Vieux Carré

The French Quarter (Vieux Carré) is the historic core of New Orleans — a 78-block grid of Spanish and French colonial architecture that is the city's cultural centre for jazz, cuisine, nightlife, and street entertainment. Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and legendary bars and restaurants are all within the Quarter, minutes from Harrah's New Orleans casino.

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UNO Lakefront Arena New Orleans Concert

Lakefront New Orleans

UNO Lakefront Arena serves the University of New Orleans community with concerts and athletic events — a Lakeshore Drive facility where the extraordinary Lake Pontchartrain setting and the New Orleans metropolitan community create a concert venue of considerable Louisiana educational and entertainment significance.

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Caesars New Orleans

Caesars New Orleans (rebranded from Harrah's New Orleans in 2022) is the sole land-based casino operating within New Orleans city limits, located on Canal Street adjacent to the French Quarter. It occupies a substantial building near the foot of Canal Street and the cruise terminal. The property underwent a major renovation in 2022–2023, adding a new hotel tower, updated gaming floor, and revised food and beverage offerings. It operates under a unique state franchise that limits competition within the city.

Nearby Gaming Options

Boomtown Casino (Harvey, Louisiana) sits on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, approximately 10 miles from the French Quarter via the Crescent City Connection bridge. It is a boat-based facility with a land-based hotel and operates as the primary alternative for residents. Treasure Chest Casino (Kenner, near the airport) is another regional option. The Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi/Bay St. Louis) is about 90 miles east.

New Orleans Culture and Events

Mardi Gras (February/March — date varies) is the most famous event, drawing over 1 million visitors with parades running for the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Jazz Fest (New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival) in late April/early May is another major draw. The French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street (live music, preferred by locals), the Garden District, and the National WWII Museum round out an exceptional tourism offering independent of casino gaming.

Getting to New Orleans

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is 13 miles west of downtown, approximately 30 minutes by car or the airport shuttle. The airport has its own train station linked to the RTA Loyola Avenue streetcar. By car: Baton Rouge is 80 miles west, Mobile 2.5 hours east, Memphis 6 hours north, Houston 5.5 hours west.

Visitor Guide — New Orleans

French Quarter

The French Quarter is walkable and generally safe in daytime. Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny has authentic live jazz clubs preferred by locals — a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter.

Caesars NOLA

Caesars New Orleans is a 5-minute walk from most French Quarter hotels. Table minimums can be steep on Mardi Gras and holiday weekends. The sportsbook is a comfortable space for watching multiple games.

Creole Dining

New Orleans has one of the most distinctive food cultures in America: Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, Dooky Chase's, Cochon, and hundreds of neighbourhood spots. Reservations are essential for top-tier restaurants during peak periods.

Mardi Gras Planning

Mardi Gras hotel prices surge 5–10x for peak weekend. Book accommodation 6–12 months ahead if visiting during carnival season. The parades run on fixed routes published months in advance — reserve balcony viewing spots for the best experience.

Hurricane Season

Atlantic hurricane season (June–November) affects New Orleans. The city's flood protection was substantially upgraded after Hurricane Katrina (2005) but major storms still prompt evacuations. Monitor NOAA forecasts when planning late-summer visits.

Getting Around

The RTA streetcar lines (St. Charles, Canal Street, Riverfront) are efficient and historic. Ride-sharing and taxis are widely available. The French Quarter is most enjoyable on foot. Avoid driving in the Quarter — streets are narrow and parking is scarce.

Cocktail Culture

New Orleans claims the Sazerac, the Hurricane, and the Ramos Gin Fizz. The Roosevelt Hotel's Sazerac Bar and Pat O'Brien's (iconic for the Hurricane) are neighbourhood landmarks. Open container laws permit drinking in plastic cups on public streets in the French Quarter.

Plan Your New Orleans Trip

Hotels, flights, shows, and travel deals for casino visitors.

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Upcoming Events in New Orleans

Event listings coming soon

Casino events, poker tournaments, shows, and nightlife schedules for New Orleans will appear here.

Frequently Asked Questions — New Orleans

What is the gambling age in New Orleans?

The minimum legal gambling age in Louisiana is 21. This applies to Caesars New Orleans and all other Louisiana casino gaming facilities.

Is Caesars New Orleans the only casino in the city?

Yes. Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah's) holds the only land-based casino licence within the New Orleans city limits, granted under a special state franchise. The nearest alternatives are Boomtown Casino in Harvey (West Bank, ~10 miles) and Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner (near the airport, ~15 miles).

When is Mardi Gras in New Orleans?

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) falls 47 days before Easter — typically in February or early March. Parade season begins after the Epiphany (January 6th) and intensifies in the two weeks before Fat Tuesday. It is by far the busiest and most expensive hotel period of the year.

Is sports betting legal in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana voters approved sports betting in 2020, and retail and mobile sports betting launched in 2022. Caesars New Orleans operates a sportsbook facility, and several mobile apps are licensed for Louisiana operation.

What airport serves New Orleans?

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is 13 miles west of downtown. A dedicated airport rail link opened in 2023 connecting directly to the city's streetcar network. Taxis, rideshare, and airport shuttle services are readily available.

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