Top Casinos Near Denver

In Denver, you have to head for the hills to try your luck. The picturesque mountain towns of Black Hawk and Central City are where it's at. Not only are these towns historically interesting and in a stunning alpine setting, they're also the only places near Denver that offer gambling. The drive from Denver takes about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. If you'd rather not drive on your own, there are numerous bus companies that provide transportation to both towns. Here are our picks for the best casinos around Denver.

The Lodge Casino

240 Main Street
Black Hawk, CO 80422
(303) 582-1771
www.thelodgecasino.com

The Lodge Casino is big on table games; craps, roulette and blackjack are the popular draws here. The casino claims to have the biggest legal poker game in Colorado -- and it's definitely one of the nicest in Black Hawk. On-site dining options are quite good and include the White Buffalo Grille and Jake's Deli. If you're staying in Black Hawk for the night, you'll find that the rooms have been remodeled and are very comfortable. The secure garage at The Lodge is great, since parking in Black Hawk can be a pain. Whether you're staying at the casino or just going "up the hill" for a few hours, free valet parking makes this one of the best casinos in the Denver area. Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Black Hawk Station Casino

141 Gregory Street
Black Hawk, CO 80422
(303) 582-5582
www.blackhawkstationcasino.net

Although it's one of the smallest casinos in Black Hawk, Black Hawk Station has some of the best slots in the city. With no table games in the joint, there is more room for a payout, with slots like Triple Golden Cherries, Jungle Wild, and John Wayne, just to name a few. The Black Hawk Station Casino is slot-heavy, and you can play late into the night from the pennies on up. Random drawings of up to $200 and other fun late-night promotional deals make it a welcome stop after midnight. Hours: Daily, 8 am to 3:30 am.

Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino

321 Gregory Street
Central City, CO 80427
(303) 582-0800
www.fortunevalleycasino.com

Fortune Valley Hotel and Casino is a big name in Colorado -- and one of the Denver area's best casinos. With some 900 slots, table games, live performances and plenty of viewing options for sports games, you'll have plenty to do at Fortune Valley. The poker room and blackjack tables are busiest on the weekends, with craps and roulette tables drawing gamblers throughout the entire day. The live shows are a must when your luck runs out, and the casino restaurant offers delicious American (think steak) cuisine. If you're staying at the hotel, rooms start at $99 a night, depending on the day of the week and the season, and the beds are quite comfy. Limo and bus services are a great way to get to the casino. If you register for an Ultimate Card with Fortune Valley and play, you'll get a free round-trip ride. Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.