If you haven’t been to the Mississippi Delta in a few years, you might be in for a bit of a shock. The skyline along the river isn't quite as crowded as it used to be. People always ask me, "Wait, how many casinos in Tunica Mississippi are even left?" It’s a fair question because the answer has changed a lot since the glory days of the late '90s when this place was the undisputed "Las Vegas of the South."
As of early 2026, there are six operating casinos in Tunica.
That number might feel small if you remember when there were ten or twelve neon signs lighting up the highway. But honestly, the six that are still standing have basically doubled down on quality. They aren't just "riverboats" anymore. They are full-blown resorts.
The Current Lineup: Who’s Still Standing?
Right now, you’ve got a mix of heavy hitters and local favorites. If you're planning a trip, these are the names you need to know.
1. Gold Strike Casino Resort
This is the big one. It’s the towering gold building you can see from miles away. For a long time, it was an MGM property, but it’s now owned and operated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment. They’ve kept the high-end feel but added their own flavor to the rewards program. It’s arguably the "fancy" choice in town.
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2. Horseshoe Tunica
If you’re a serious gambler—specifically a poker player—this is probably where you’ll end up. Owned by Caesars, the Horseshoe is where the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit events usually stop. It’s got that classic, high-limit gambling vibe. It feels a bit more intense than the others, in a good way.
3. Hollywood Casino Tunica
This one is all about the vibe. It’s packed with movie memorabilia (look for the Titanic stuff). It feels a little more relaxed and "old school" Hollywood. They have a massive indoor pool that's actually one of the largest in the area.
4. Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel
Locals call it "The Fitz." It used to be Fitzgeralds. It’s got a luck-of-the-Irish theme and, frankly, the best river views in the county. It’s a bit further down the strip, but it’s often cheaper than the "Big Two" (Gold Strike and Horseshoe).
5. 1st Jackpot Casino
You might remember this as Resorts or Bally's back in the day. It’s got a rustic, Delta-shack sort of theme going on. It’s smaller, easier to navigate, and feels less like a maze than the giant resorts.
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6. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
This one has had a rocky road lately. In late 2025, Boyd Gaming announced a permanent closure for the property. However, it remains a landmark in the area's history and, as of this writing, the physical structure still dominates the landscape even as operations have wound down. Note: Always check the daily status before driving out here, as the Tunica landscape is shifting faster than the river itself.
What Happened to the Rest?
You might be wondering about Harrah’s or the Tunica Roadhouse. They’re gone.
The gambling market in the South got crowded. When Arkansas legalized full casino gaming and Southland in West Memphis turned into a massive complex, Tunica took a hit. It’s basic math. If you live in Memphis, why drive 40 minutes to Tunica when you can drive 10 minutes across the bridge to West Memphis?
This competition forced Tunica to evolve. It’s no longer just about the slots.
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Is Tunica Still Worth the Trip?
Kinda. It depends on what you're looking for.
If you want a 24/7 "everything is open" experience, you have to be more selective now. But there are perks to the "new" Tunica.
- The Food: The buffets aren't what they used to be (thanks, 2020), but the steakhouses are still incredible. Chicago Steakhouse inside Gold Strike is legitimately one of the best meals you can get in the state.
- The Rewards: Because they are competing with Memphis and the Gulf Coast, the Tunica casinos are often way more generous with "Free Play" and room comps.
- The Quiet: If you hate the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Vegas, you’ll love it here. It’s spread out. It’s peaceful. You can actually hear yourself think.
Choosing Where to Stay
When you're looking at how many casinos in Tunica Mississippi offer hotels, the answer is most of them—but not all are created equal.
If you want luxury, go Gold Strike. If you want to be in the middle of the action, Horseshoe. If you’re on a budget and just want a clean bed and a view of the water, the Fitz is your best bet.
Actionable Tips for Your Tunica Trip:
- Get the Apps: Before you go, download the Caesars Rewards and One Star Rewards (for Gold Strike) apps. They often have "app-only" hotel rates that are half the price of what you'll find on Expedia.
- Check the Calendar: Tunica is a ghost town on Tuesday mornings but a madhouse during a WSOP event or a big concert at the Gold Strike Millennium Theatre. Plan accordingly.
- Don't Forget the Blues: You’re in the Delta. Take an hour to visit the Gateway to the Blues Museum on Highway 61. It’s actually really well done and gives you a break from the flashing lights.
- Drive, Don't Walk: These casinos look close together on a map. They aren't. You need a car or a very patient Uber driver to get between the different clusters (Casino Center Dr. vs. Casino Strip Resort Blvd.).
Tunica isn't the gambling mecca it was twenty years ago, but it hasn't disappeared either. It’s just leaner. The six casinos that remain are the ones that were strong enough to survive a decade of intense competition. They’re still there, the lights are still on, and the blackjack dealers are still ready to bust your hand.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current promotion calendars for Gold Strike and Horseshoe specifically, as they rotate their big-ticket giveaways (like cars or $50,000 drawings) on a monthly basis. If you’re a poker player, look up the WSOP Circuit schedule to see if a tournament series is running during your stay, as this will significantly affect room availability and table minimums.