The Smallest Casinos Around the World

Tiny Casinos You Can Visit Today

If you like the idea of gambling in a more intimate setting or you are simply interested in the novelty value of a tiny casino, then check out this list of some of the world’s smallest gambling destinations.

Slots-A-Fun Casino – Las Vegas, USA

Slots-A-Fun Casino’s claim to fame is that it is the smallest casino in Las Vegas. It has been a hit since it opened its doors in August 1971, when it took over the space taken up by the Circus Circus merry-go-round.

As with many of Vegas’ casinos, it has an interesting history. The casino was taken over by Circus Circus Enterprises in 1979, and it became famous for handing out free fresh popcorn to players. This continued for thirty years until 2009, when MGM took control and created the brand that it is now famous for.

Despite the casino’s name, for a long time it was possible to play low stakes versions of games such as craps and blackjack. However, since 2011 the venue has been focused purely on slots and electronic table games. However, as is typical of Vegas, it doesn’t only offer gambling, there is also a bar and a mini bowling alley, so it offers everything needed for a fun night out.

Deltin Caravela Casino – Mandovi River, Goa, India

There are a number of water based casinos around the world and this one in India markets itself as a flotel. Set on a luxury cruise ship, visitors to the Deltin Caravela Casino will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Mandoi River while enjoying the games.

There is not a huge amount on offer. The casino hosts blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker across seventeen tables. The casino is also refreshingly honest with its motto “The house always wins but who cares when you live in the house”. If you enjoy intense table games, then this casino could be the perfect option.

North Cadbury Court – Somerset, England

England is well known for its beautiful country houses and the 400-year-old North Cadbury Court in Summerset is a wonderful example. The Grade I listed building is a favourite wedding location, and one of the reasons is that in the basement is one of the smallest and most exclusive casinos in the world. It can seat just thirty people.

However, due to its small size, all guests are treated like true VIPs. If you are organising the event then you can choose both who gets to play and what games are on offer. The casino offers all of the standard table games played at full sized tables and run by professional croupiers.

Saloon #10 – Deadwood, South Dakota, USA

Deadwood may not be the most cheerful name, and there is a reason for this. In gambling circles, the town is famous for poker and death. During the gold rush, the famous Wild Bill Hickcok, best known for his involvement in many gunfights, was shot dead during a game of poker. He was holding a hand of aces and eights, which is why to this day it is known as a ‘Dead Man’s Hand’. 

Saloon No. 10 pays homage to the town’s history and is partly a museum full of artefacts from its past. There is a photo exhibition of the town’s more infamous characters, together with an American whiskey bar and live entertainment.

It is on this list for the tiny casino that is hidden inside. It is just 3,000 square feet (278 square metres), but they have manged to squeeze 75 slot machines and four blackjack tables into the space.

Wildfire Casino & Lanes – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

The Wildfire Casino & Lanes in Vegas is just 10,000 square feet (930 square metres); however, it draws in a huge crowd each weekend because it offers so much in such a small space. While it is a casino, the venue is probably best known for its 18-lane bowling alley, but this doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty for gamblers.

There is an impressive 193 gaming stations offering slots, progressive slots and video poker. Furthermore, the venue has 12 enormous high definition screens showing all of the action, so that players don’t miss a second of the action.

Casino Palms, La Calypso Getaway, Goa

If you happen to be in Calangute in India and you enjoy casinos, then this venue is definitely worth a visit. It is reasonably exclusive for such a small casino, charging about $10 entry on a weekday and $13 at the weekend. However, included in the price are snacks, drinks, and a meal, so it is good value for money.

Unfortunately, there is not a huge amount on offer in terms of gambling. There are seven roulette tables and a few machines, which should be enough to keep you occupied in between the drinks and snacks.

Tiny Casinos That Didn’t Survive

Over the years, there have been a number of other tiny casinos to achieve fame but unfortunately, not all of them made it. Here are a few tiny casinos that are no more.

Grosvenor London Taxi Cab

Grosvenor Casino operated this tiny casino as part of a promotion when it was launching its Birmingham venue in June 2016. It was a casino built into the back of one of England’s famous black cabs.

Despite the small size, they managed to squeeze in a gaming table, a dealer, a bar, online gaming facilities, and live sports. Those who climbed into the cab could have a free ride to the Hill Street Casino, and those going anywhere else would simply be asked to make a charitable donation.

The cab casino was in operation for three weeks but unfortunately, as far as we know there are no plans to bring it back.

Santa Ysabel Casino, San Diego, California, USA

The Santa Ysabel Casino was an extremely small Tribal casino that was operated on the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel near San Diego on the Palomar Mountain trail. It was amazingly small, just 600 square feet (55 square metres); but it was a great place to have a rest in the middle of a hike.

Unfortunately, the casino went under at the beginning of 2014 due to financial issues. Today the venue is a marijuana dispensary, well known for its low prices and high quality product.

Macau Palace – Macau, China

James Bond fans will be familiar with this floating casino from its role in The Man with the Golden Gun.

When the Macau Palace was featured in the film, it was moored in the inner harbour at end of the Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and it offered punters an intimate setting with low stake tables. The casino housed just ten tables and a small corner designated for slot machines.

Unfortunately, the casino has since been towed away and little is known about what it is used for today. You can still see it in the harbour, but the ship no longer houses a casino.

AirJet Designs – Boeing 777

This is a tiny casino that never actually existed, but it may well do in the future. The French airline wanted to give passengers the chance to enjoy their favourite games while flying through the sky.

The idea looks back to the early days of aviation when flying was a real occasion. Jean-Pierre Alfano, the creative designer behind AirJet Designs, is hoping to recreate that experience with the casino on a plane.

The concept was first put forward in 2015 and while it hasn’t yet been realised, there is a chance that it could be in the near future.