Drake Bulldogs fans may have headed west to watch the Bulldogs take on the St. Louis Billikens in Las Vegas on Dec. 22.
But their team isn’t joining them for the trip.
Drake’s official website just confirmed that Wednesday afternoon’s game has been canceled. St. Louis is among the many programs dealing with health and safety protocols this week.
The game was part of the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic at South Point Hotel and Casino. The casino is just south of the main tourist corridor of the Vegas Strip.
Fortunately, fans who made the trip will have plenty of options for alternate plans at an interesting venue.
Casinos located away from the touristy parts of Las Vegas are different than what visitors may expect. South Point is unlike any casino in Las Vegas.
- Bet & Get up to $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
- PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
- PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
- PLUS Weekly King of the Court NBA Prop Token
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
South Point, aka Cowboy Casino
Also known as the “Cowboy Casino,” the now-canceled game venue is technically the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center.
In addition to being home to basketball games, the venue is an indoor horse facility. The complex includes a 4,600-seat arena, Priefert Pavilion with two arenas and 1,200 climate-controlled horse stalls.
South Point Equestrian Center can host some of the most prestigious equestrian events in the country. Being home to so many horse events means distinct visitors to the casino compared to any other Las Vegas spot. This unique offering gives South Point an atmosphere and customer base different from other Las Vegas casinos.
South Point features: bowling alley, movie theater, spa
Larger off-Strip casinos are often all-in-one facilities since many of their visitors are Las Vegas residents. South Point caters to the “cowboys” and locals.
The South Point offers myriad entertainment options under one roof. In addition to the main arena, the casino has a showroom and a lounge for entertainment.
The 64-lane bowling center is one of the most popular attractions inside South Point. There’s a pro shop, arcade and a full-service snack bar available. There’s also a lounge overlooking the lanes for adults to relax and enjoy a cold one. In addition to being open to the public, this venue hosts professional bowling events.
Like other off-strip casinos, the South Point has a movie theater. The Century 16 South Point and XD has amenities like luxury recliners that moviegoers expect nowadays.
Unlike some smaller off-strip casinos in Las Vegas, the South Point has a spa for anyone looking to relax away from the action without leaving the casino.
Hotel guests have access to the pool complex and volleyball court. The property also has a fitness center.
South Point is similar to other Las Vegas casinos in one way. There’s a wide variety of dining options, from the always busy buffet to the exclusive fine dining at Michael’s Gourmet Room.
Steak ‘N Shake will probably suffice anyone looking for a quick bite before or after the game.
South Point gambling options
Gambling at the South Point is slightly different from its Vegas Strip counterparts. The most noticeable is the 600-seat bingo hall — no other Vegas Strip casino offers this kind of venue.
South Point features a sportsbook and racebook. Sports and horse racing bettors each have their own space to watch and bet on horses and more. The 24-hour sportsbook offers some of the sharpest odds in Las Vegas.
Sports bettors might get a kick out of watching the Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN) broadcast booth adjacent to the sportsbook.
Experienced gamblers will note the ample access to affordable 3:2 blackjack. Most blackjack games on the Vegas Strip pay the less desirable 6:5 when a player is dealt a natural blackjack.
Poker rooms all over Las Vegas have been closing over the past few years. The reduction in competition makes South Point’s 24-hour poker room one of the busiest today.
Vegas casinos near you
While South Point Casino has plenty to offer, there are some casinos nearby if you’re looking for a change of scenery:
- Silverton Casino: It’s a five- to 10-minute drive toward the Vegas Strip. The property features an aquarium just off the gaming floor near the Big Bass Pro Shop. It’s a must-see for anyone looking for a genuinely different casino experience.
- M Resort: M offers a modern and luxurious casino resort about 10 minutes away from South Point. It is the official Raiders hotel and is home to the only Raiders Tavern & Grill. The property is so beautiful that it would not be out of place on the Vegas Strip.
- Green Valley Ranch: This property is a huge casino about 15 minutes away. Green Valley offers a relaxing spa-like atmosphere. In addition to the usual casino amenities, the Green Valley Shopping District is an open-air shopping plaza just a couple minutes from the property.
