Best Vicksburg Casino



So you’re looking for the best gambling spot in Vicksburg, Mississippi, but you’re tired of sifting through generic travel guides that don’t tell you what actually matters—like where the slots are loosest or which buffet is actually worth the price. Vicksburg sits right on the Mississippi River, and while it’s famous for its Civil War history, the casino scene here is a major draw for locals and visitors from Jackson, Monroe, and beyond. You have four main properties to choose from, and picking the wrong one can mean a night of tight slots, smoky air, or food that tastes like it came from a gas station microwave. Let’s break down exactly where you should be putting your money down.

Comparing the Top Casinos in Vicksburg

Vicksburg isn’t Las Vegas, and it isn’t Tunica. It’s a smaller market with a distinct flavor, but the competition still keeps the properties on their toes. Currently, you have four primary casino resorts: Ameristar, Riverwalk, WaterView, and Lady Luck. Each has a completely different vibe. Ameristar feels like you’ve stepped into a scaled-down Vegas resort with a Victorian exterior, while Lady Luck operates more like a cozy local haunt. If you’re the type of player who wants high-limit slots and a steakhouse, you’re looking at Ameristar or Riverwalk. If you prefer low-stakes blackjack and a more relaxed atmosphere, Lady Luck might be your speed.

Casino	Bonus / Promotion	Key Payment Methods	Min Bet (Blackjack)
Ameristar Casino	New member promo: $20 Free Play + Match Play	Cash, Credit/Debit Cards, Casino Credit	$10 - $15
Riverwalk Casino	$10 Free Play on sign-up	Cash, Cards, ATM on-site	$10
WaterView Casino	Weekly Cash Drawings	Cash, Cards	$5 - $10
Lady Luck Casino	Senior Day Discounts / Promo Play	Cash, Cards	$5

Ameristar Casino Spa: The Premium Choice

If you ask ten people which is the best Vicksburg casino, seven will probably say Ameristar. It’s the anchor of the local gaming scene. The property features over 800 slot machines and a decent selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. The poker room here used to be a bigger draw, but the current offerings focus more on electronic table games and live dealer classics. What sets Ameristar apart isn’t just the gaming floor; it’s the amenities. You have the Woodlands Steakhouse inside, which serves a surprisingly good filet mignon that rivals what you’d find in bigger cities.

The atmosphere is notably cleaner and more upscale than some of the older riverboat-style casinos in the region. The high-limit slot area is secluded and offers better drink service, which matters if you’re planning to grind for a few hours. For hotel guests, the rooms in the hotel tower are spacious, and many offer views of the Mississippi River. Just keep in mind that on weekends, the minimum bets at the blackjack tables tend to jump up quickly—don’t be surprised to see $15 or $25 minimums when the crowds roll in from Jackson.

Riverwalk Casino and Hotel: Best for Table Game Varieties

Right across the street from the main drag, Riverwalk Casino offers a very different experience. While Ameristar leans into the “resort” feel, Riverwalk is all about the gaming floor. It feels more open and spacious, largely because the ceiling is high and the layout doesn’t try to cram machines into every corner. For table game players, Riverwalk is often the better bet. They run consistent promotions for craps and blackjack players, and the dealers are generally known for being friendly and helpful to newer players—something that isn’t always true in high-volume casinos.

The Pearl River Poker Room here is a highlight if you enjoy Texas Hold’em. They spread $1/$2 No Limit games on most weekends, and the action is typically soft, populated by tourists and locals looking to gamble rather than grind. The buffet here, the Waterfront Buffet, is solid, offering standard Southern fare like fried catfish and gumbo. It’s not gourmet, but it’s affordable and filling. If you’re looking for a “players’ casino” rather than a vacation resort, Riverwalk is a strong contender.

WaterView Casino: Local Favorite for Slots

WaterView Casino, located a bit further down the river, has carved out a niche as the “friendly” casino. It’s smaller than Ameristar and Riverwalk, but that intimacy has its perks. The slot floor is packed with popular titles like Buffalo Grand and Lock It Link, and the payout percentages are rumored to be slightly better here, though that’s always anecdotal. What isn’t anecdotal is the vibe—it’s less smoky and less chaotic than the bigger spots. You can actually hear yourself think.

WaterView is particularly popular among locals for their weekly promotions and cash drawings. If you’re signing up for a players club card here, check the calendar for specific days where you can earn extra points on slots. The attached hotel is a Best Western Plus, which means you know exactly what you’re getting—standard, clean rooms without the luxury price tag. It’s a smart choice if you’re on a budget but still want to stay connected to the action.

Lady Luck Casino: Low Stakes and Relaxed Vibes

Don’t let the name fool you; Lady Luck is a smaller operation owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated. It’s the kind of place you go to kill a few hours and maybe play some $5 blackjack without feeling intimidated by high rollers in suits. The gaming floor is compact, featuring around 400 machines. You won’t find a high-limit salon here, and the table game selection is limited to the basics: blackjack, roulette, and Three Card Poker.

However, the low table minimums make this the best Vicksburg casino for beginners. If you’re just learning how to play blackjack or craps, the dealers at Lady Luck are usually patient. It’s also the least crowded of the four, making it easy to get a seat at your favorite machine on a Friday night. The "3 Sisters Cafe" inside serves decent burgers and sandwiches, and the prices are very reasonable compared to the steakhouse options at Ameristar.

Dining and Entertainment Options on the River

Gambling is only half the equation in Vicksburg. If you’re staying for the weekend, you need to eat. Ameristar’s Woodlands Steakhouse is the top-tier option if you want to celebrate a big win, but Riverwalk’s Terrace Cafe is a hidden gem for late-night breakfast. WaterView and Lady Luck have more casual dining, focusing on quick bites like pizza and hot dogs to keep you on the floor.

Entertainment-wise, Vicksburg casinos rely heavily on their sports bars and lounges. You won’t find massive concert residencies like in Vegas, but Ameristar and Riverwalk frequently book local bands and cover acts on weekends. If sports betting is your thing, you’ll find retail sportsbooks at Ameristar and Riverwalk, allowing you to bet on the Saints, the Bulldogs, or national NFL games right from the floor.

Players Club Rewards and Loyalty Programs

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is playing without a players card. All four casinos in Vicksburg use their own loyalty systems, and the points you earn can be redeemed for free play, hotel stays, or meals. Ameristar is part of the Boyd Gaming network (depending on current ownership structures, always check their PENN or Boyd tie-ins), meaning your points might be usable at other properties if you travel.

Riverwalk’s players club is known for comping meals more generously for lower-tier players. If you play slots for 3-4 hours at $1 per spin, you can often walk away with a comped buffet dinner. At Ameristar, you generally need to reach a higher tier to see those same food comps. If you are a regular visitor to Mississippi casinos, definitely ask about reciprocal privileges—sometimes playing at a sister property in Tunica can get you benefits in Vicksburg.

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