Methodology
Two scorecards, never combined
Every property receives a hotel score and a casino score out of 10. Each is a weighted average of sub-scores, calculated in code so the published total always matches its parts.
The hotel score
The hotel score reflects what it is like to stay at the property, independent of whether you ever place a bet. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10 in increments of one decimal place, then multiplied by its weight.
| Criterion | Weight | What we assess |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms & suites | 25% | Size, soundproofing, bed quality, bathrooms, views and how recently the inventory was renovated. |
| Dining | 20% | Depth and consistency of the restaurant line-up, from late-night casino cafés to destination tables. |
| Spa & pool | 15% | Pool complex design, shade and crowd control, plus spa facilities, fitness and treatment quality. |
| Service | 20% | Check-in speed, housekeeping, concierge knowledge and how well staff handle a problem at 2 a.m. |
| Location | 10% | Walkability along the Strip, transit links and what sits within a ten-minute stroll. |
| Value | 10% | What a typical stay costs once resort fees, parking and the realities of Strip pricing are included. |
The casino score
The casino score rates the gaming environment for adults aged 21 and over: the physical floor, the range of games and limits, poker and sports betting, high-limit rooms, and the clarity of rules and player protections. Better rules, such as 3:2 blackjack, free odds at craps and full-pay video poker, earn credit because they lower the cost of play for those who choose to play. They do not make any game winnable.
| Criterion | Weight | What we assess |
|---|---|---|
| Floor & atmosphere | 25% | Layout, sightlines, ceiling height, noise, ventilation, cleanliness and how easy it is to find a game. |
| Game range & table limits | 25% | Breadth of table games and slot denominations, and whether a realistic spread of minimums is available across the day. |
| Poker & sportsbook | 15% | Whether a live poker room and a race and sportsbook operate on site, and how well they are run. |
| High-limit & salons | 15% | Quality, privacy and staffing of high-limit table and slot areas and private gaming salons. |
| Rules & player protection | 20% | Clarity of posted rules, availability of better payouts (3:2 blackjack, free odds at craps, strong video poker pay tables) and visible responsible-gaming tools. |
Why the scores are never combined
Blending a hotel score with a casino score would hide exactly what readers need to know. Encore’s refined suites and The Venetian’s 50-table poker room are different kinds of excellence, and a single number would blur them. We publish both side by side and let readers weigh what matters to them.
A casino score is not a recommendation to gamble
Every casino game has a house edge. A high casino score means a well-run, well-designed, clearly regulated gaming environment; it does not mean you are more likely to win there, and it is never an encouragement to gamble. If you choose to play, set limits in advance and treat any money wagered as the cost of entertainment.
How scores are updated
We revisit scores when a property makes a material change, such as a poker room relocation, a major casino floor renovation, a rewards program change or a hotel refurbishment. Scores in this edition reflect our assessment in September 2026.
| Property | Hotel score | Casino score |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Palace | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| ARIA Resort & Casino | 9.0 | 8.9 |
| The Venetian Resort Las Vegas | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Encore Las Vegas | 9.1 | 9.1 |
Play for entertainment, never for income
Every casino game has a built-in house edge, and no system changes it. Set a budget and a time limit before you play, and never chase losses. Free, confidential help is available 24/7: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org.