Few things are as thrilling as casino hopping. Casino hopping is a one-of-a-kind adventure that promises excitement, entertainment, and the chance to discover new favorites in the world of gambling. From the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the cozy charm of local gaming establishments, each casino offers its own unique atmosphere and a range of games to enjoy.
Whether one is testing their luck at the slots, trying their hand at poker, or soaking in the amazing energy of the casino floor, casino hopping is a delightful experience that always leaves gamblers wanting more.
Recently, the online gambling world buzzed with excitement over a daring casino-hopping adventure. A mysterious figure known as “Clue Heywood” and his partner in crime, journalist Tom Zoellner, recently completed an extraordinary journey spanning 1,637 miles.
Their mission? To visit all 26 of Arizona’s tribal casinos within a mere 48 hours, placing a bet at each stop along the way, all while recording their escapades on social media. With no clear purpose encouraging their adventure other than the thrill of the journey itself, Heywood and Zoellner embraced the impulsiveness and boldness of their task.
From the slot machines of busy casinos to the calm ambiance of more remote online casinos, they navigated the landscape of Arizona’s betting scene with enthusiasm. With each casino visited, they encountered a new range of casino games, atmospheres, and characters, adding layers of intrigue to the pair’s remarkable journey.
Heywood, who usually visits local bars and restaurants, says that he wanted to try something new by going on a casino adventure across the state. With just two days for the casino journey, there wasn’t enough time for extensive betting at each stop.
During the adventure, there wasn’t even time for poker tournaments or long cash games. Still, Heywood and his partner in crime managed to take photos and share details about each casino visit on social media.
The journey began at Bluewater in Parker, with Heywood noting the cheerful atmosphere and music. Along the way, they made pit stops at dive bars like the Ranch House Saloon in Snowflake, Arizona. Despite coming across some unique experiences, like at Hon-Dah Casino in Pinetop where swearing wasn’t tolerated at the card tables, Heywood embraced the adventure wholeheartedly.
In the end, Heywood covered 1,637 miles in 47.5 hours, offering followers a glimpse into Arizona’s diverse locales and casinos. Despite nearing the finish line, he humorously admitted to feeling worn out from the journey.
This isn’t the first time a gambling enthusiast has taken on such a challenge. Another notable example is gaming analyst and poker author Jeff Hwang, who embarked on a similar quest to visit every casino in Las Vegas as they reopened following the pandemic.
Hwang’s plans took an unexpected turn when, just after finalizing arrangements for a new restaurant and coffee shop in downtown Las Vegas, the pandemic hit. Despite being deep into preparations, everything shifted gears as the crisis unfolded.
Just days after finalizing plans at City Hall, the NBA was forced to shut down and the quick spread of the virus forced a re-evaluation of his new restaurant’s timelines. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak’s ensuing order to close non-essential businesses, including the gaming industry, marked a major shift in Hwang’s plans.
The last time the Strip stopped operations was for President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963, lasting only a few days. Despite the potential risks, Hwang was eager to witness the reopening firsthand. As soon as the casino industry resumed operations on Thursday, June 4, the South Florida transplant wasted no time being among the first in line to witness history.
Hwang started in downtown Las Vegas at midnight and gambled for 17 hours straight on the first day. After exploring downtown, Hwang ventured across the city, visiting any local casinos that had reopened before heading to the Las Vegas Strip. By chance, he found himself as the first patron to step into The Strat casino, allowing him to achieve several notable firsts.
He wasn’t just the first patron back at The Strat. As the first casino to reopen on the Strip, he was also the first customer to step foot into a Strip casino post-lockdown. Also, he was the pioneer to play a game and win.
Plus, with The Strat permitting dealers to pocket their own tips, he became the first person since the ’80s to place and win a bet for the dealer, who retained the tip herself! After driving more than 2,000 miles for 35 hours, Hwang returned home to Las Vegas, stating he had no plans to go back to the Strip soon.
The gambling scene in Arizona has never been more vibrant
It is not surprising that gamblers would want to casino hop in Arizona. The state has emerged as a lively hub for gambling fans, offering a varied array of options ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar casinos to the exciting world of sports betting.
With the legalization of sports betting in the state, the gambling landscape has undergone an important transformation, attracting both locals and visitors. Most of the physical casinos are operated by Native American tribes. These casinos offer many gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and more.
In 2021, Arizona joined a growing number of states by legalizing sports betting, opening up a new frontier for gambling buffs. The legalization of sports betting has ushered in a new era of opportunity, allowing gamblers to wager on their favorite sports teams and events.
Under the new law, both retail and online sports betting are allowed, providing customers with convenient options to place their bets. Major sportsbooks have also entered the Arizona market, offering competitive odds, a wide range of betting markets, and innovative features to enhance the betting experience.
For instance, not too long ago in February, Bet365 announced that it would be joining the market. In partnership with the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Bet365 became the 9th state in the brand’s expansion in the US betting market. Bet365 also has a strong presence in Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa, and Virginia, as well as New Jersey.
Final Thoughts
the recent casino-hopping adventures of Clue Heywood and the daring escapades of Jeff Hwang underscore the thrill and excitement that gambling enthusiasts experience when exploring the vibrant landscapes of Arizona and Las Vegas.
As Arizona’s gambling scene continues to evolve, with the legalization of sports betting adding a new dimension to the state’s offerings, it’s clear that there has never been a better time to indulge in the excitement of casino hopping.
