If you walk into the D Casino Las Vegas expecting the corporate, sanitized vibe of a mega-resort on the Strip, you’re going to be confused. Honestly, it’s loud. It’s high-energy. It’s got this weirdly perfect blend of vintage "Old Vegas" grit and modern "New Vegas" flash that shouldn't work, but somehow does.
Located right at the intersection of Main Street and the Fremont Street Experience, the D basically anchors the eastern end of the pedestrian mall. It wasn't always this way. People who have been coming to Vegas for decades remember it as Fitzgeralds, a Leprechaun-themed spot that had definitely seen better days by the late 2000s. Then Derek Stevens and his brother Greg showed up. They didn't just paint the walls; they gutted the soul of the place and rebuilt it with a Detroit-inspired edge. That’s what the "D" stands for, by the way—Detroit, and Derek’s nickname.
Most people think of downtown as just a cheaper alternative to the Strip. That is a massive misconception. The D is often just as pricey as a mid-tier Strip hotel because people are paying for the vibe. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a guy in a tailored suit playing blackjack next to someone in a tank top who hasn't slept in thirty-six hours. It’s chaotic. It’s Vegas.
The Two-Story Split: Why the Layout Matters
The D does something very specific with its layout that separates it from its neighbors like Circa or the Golden Nugget. It’s split into two distinct floors.
The first floor is the modern era. It’s all flashing LEDs, loud music, and "dancing dealers." If you aren't into high-volume environments, you might hate it here. The energy is cranked to an eleven. This is where the Longbar lives—literally the longest bar in Nevada. You can sit there, grab a beer, and watch the flair bartenders throw bottles around while you keep an eye on the sports tickers. It stretches an entire side of the casino.
But then you go upstairs.
The second floor is a time machine. It’s dedicated to "Vintage Vegas." This is where the D wins over the hardcore gambling purists. They have the only functioning Sigma Derby machine in the city. For the uninitiated, Sigma Derby is an electromechanical horse racing game that uses actual quarters. It’s loud, it clinks, and it’s almost always surrounded by people screaming at tiny plastic horses.
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The second floor also keeps the coin-dropper slots alive. Most casinos moved to ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO) systems years ago because coin hoppers are a maintenance nightmare. The D kept a section of them because there is a tactile psychological satisfaction in hearing real metal hit a tray. It smells a bit more like history up there.
More Than Just Slots: The Food Reality
Let’s talk about the food, because the D houses two of the most polar-opposite dining experiences in the city.
First, there’s American Coney Island. If you’re from Michigan, you know. If you aren't, you’re about to learn about a hot dog topped with a very specific, no-bean chili, onions, and mustard. It’s open 24/7. It is the undisputed king of 3:00 AM "I gambled away my dinner money" meals. It’s fast, it’s messy, and it’s authentic. They actually ship the ingredients in from Detroit to make sure the snap of the hot dog casing is right.
Then you have Andiamo Steakhouse.
It is arguably one of the top five steakhouses in the entire city, and that includes the fancy spots at the Wynn or Caesar’s. It’s tucked away in the back of the second floor. You walk through a brick-lined hallway and suddenly the noise of the casino vanishes. They serve Joe Vicari’s philosophy of Italian wood-fired steaks. The signature 32-ounce "Tomahawk" ribeye is the move here. It’s expensive, but compared to Strip prices for the same quality of meat, it’s actually a bit of a steal.
The Derek Stevens Factor
You cannot talk about the D Casino Las Vegas without talking about Derek Stevens. In a city owned by faceless corporations and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), Stevens is a throwback to the era of Benny Binion or Steve Wynn. He is a personality.
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He’s often at the Longbar. He’s the guy in the loud, colorful suit jacket buying a round of shots for random tourists. This matters because it gives the property a sense of accountability. If something is wrong, the owner is likely within earshot. Stevens used the D as a springboard to revitalize downtown, eventually building Circa across the street, which is currently the crown jewel of Fremont. But the D remains the "original" in his portfolio, maintaining a scrappier, more accessible feel than the ultra-posh Circa.
Understanding the Room Situation
Here is the honest truth about staying at the D: it’s loud.
If you book a room facing the Fremont Street Experience, you are going to hear the Viva Vision light show music until midnight. You’re going to hear the cover bands on the 3rd Street stage. The windows are decent, but they aren't magic.
The rooms themselves were renovated during the rebrand. They’ve got a red-and-black color scheme that feels sleek and masculine. They are clean, functional, and generally larger than the cramped rooms at the older downtown properties.
- The Suites: The "D Suite" is the way to go if you’re traveling with a group. They have a wet bar and a separate living area.
- The View: Always ask for a high floor if you want any semblance of a view of the mountains or the Strip in the distance.
- The Amenities: You get access to the "Stadium Swim" pool over at Circa if you stay here, which is a massive perk. Stadium Swim is a multi-tiered pool amphitheater with a 143-foot screen. It’s basically a sports book you can swim in.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
One thing people screw up is the parking. The D has a parking garage, but it’s tight. If you’re driving a massive dually truck, good luck. It’s also no longer free for everyone; you usually need to be a hotel guest or have a certain level of loyalty card (the "One" club) to get it validated.
Speaking of the "One" club, it’s actually one of the better rewards programs in Vegas because it links the D, Circa, and Golden Gate. You can earn points at the vintage slots in the Gate and spend them on a steak at Andiamo.
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Another tip: don't sleep on the sportsbook. It’s smaller than the one at Circa, but it’s more intimate. If you want to actually hear the audio of the game you bet on without 5,000 people screaming, the D’s book is a solid choice.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit the D Casino Las Vegas, do it with a strategy. Start your night on the second floor. Play a few rounds of Sigma Derby—it’s the best social icebreaker in the city. You’ll end up high-fiving strangers over a plastic horse named "Glue Pot."
After you’ve had your fill of the 70s vibe, head downstairs to the Longbar. It’s the best place for people-watching. If you can get a seat near the middle, you can see the entire casino floor and the entrance to Fremont Street.
For dinner, make a reservation at Andiamo at least two weeks in advance. It fills up fast, especially on fight nights or during major conventions. Get the meatballs as an appetizer. Seriously.
Finally, if you’re sensitive to noise, bring a white noise machine or earplugs. You are in the heart of the loudest street in America. Embrace the chaos, or at least prepare for it. The D isn't trying to be a quiet retreat; it’s trying to be the party that never ends.
To make the most of your bankroll, look for the "Match Play" coupons often found in the various Las Vegas funbooks or handed out near the entrance. The D is one of the few places that still leans into that old-school marketing. Use them at the tables to cut the house edge immediately.
Check the "One" club booth as soon as you arrive. Even if you don't plan on gambling thousands, the sign-up bonuses for new members often include free play or dining credits that cover a lunch at American Coney Island. It’s the easiest way to get a "win" before you even place a bet.