The casino at Saratoga Casino Hotel

Being the first VLT property in New York state, Saratoga Casino Hotel has lifted the bar high, and few other casinos in the state can hope to reach it. In terms of the sheer size, Saratoga is not the biggest venue out there. However, the 55,000 square feet of gambling space deserves respect, especially when considering what occupies it: over 1,200 video slots, video poker and electronic table games, such as roulette, craps and blackjack.

The gambling machines are supplied by some of the biggest casino content developers in the business, such as IGT, Bally, Everi and SG. The machines come in a range of denominations, so you can find penny slots and those where each spin of the lever comes at a $25 cost.

You can also choose from hundreds of progressive jackpot slots, such as Bally’s Quick Hit, Ultimate Fire Link and Copper Cash that give you a chance to win jackpots worth thousands for bets as low as $0.50.

While walking across the casino floor and savoring the neon lights and funky-upbeat atmosphere, players will find dedicated electronic tables as an alternative to live casino tables.

If more betting action is what you need, then you can count on the Saratoga Raceway to provide almost 11 months of live racing and simulcast betting on the top harness races across the country.

Video slots/VLTs

Saratoga Casino Hotel boasts one of the most diversified offers of video slots and video lottery terminals in the state. With over 1,200 titles from providers such as IGT, Bally, SG and Everi, all slot enthusiasts are in for a treat.

The machines are available in multiple denominations, ranging from penny slots to $25 machines. The latter are mostly seen in the high limit area of the casino floor specifically constructed with high rollers in mind. That area is home to 57 slots with minimum bets ranging from $5 to $25. Players with deeper pockets can play Nefertiti, Triple Double Diamond, Wheel of Fortune and many other titles that hold the keys to the biggest jackpots.

The casino regularly updates its machines with the newest releases, so players usually have new slots to try. Here are some of the most popular titles on the casino floor of the Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY:

• Friends
• Lock It Link
• 88 Fortunes
• Wheel of Fortune
• Ultimate Fire Link
• Black and Gold Quick Hit
• IGT Double Diamond Red Hot Respin
• Ocean Magic Grand
• Babooshka
• Playboy Quick Hits
• Golden Gecko
• Jinse Dao
• Hexogems

Table games

As is usually the case with racinos, there are no live dealer table games available. However, the management has found a way to cater to the needs of players who prefer classics such as blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Saratoga Casino Hotel has dozens of electronic tables scattered across the casino floor, including roulette, three card poker, craps and blackjack.

In addition to the electronic table games with a variety of betting limits, players can also enjoy keno and video poker games, with favorites such as Fever, Big Catch and Dynamite Draw for keno and Double Bonus, Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild for video poker.

Saratoga Club loyalty program

It pays big time to be a member of the Saratoga Club loyalty program. All visitors are welcome to register for the program for free to become eligible for rewards, exclusive offers, regular promotions, discounts at participating restaurants and free slot play.

Every time you insert a card into any of the slots or electronic tables and place a bet, you start racking up loyalty points. These points allow you to move up to the higher tiers of the program and more lucrative rewards. The bonus structure and the required number of points for each level are as follows:

• Signature — 0 to 500 points
• Preferred — 501 to 1,500 points
• Premier — 1,501 to 10,000 points
• Elite — 10,001+ points

While all levels let you claim point multipliers and discounts on merchandise, food and hotel stays, only the top tiers offer exclusive gifts, invitations to events, priority hotel reservations, complimentary valet parking and the ability to redeem points for free play.

Does Saratoga Casino Hotel offer an online casino?

In New York, online casino gambling for real money is prohibited. It is therefore not possible to play online blackjack or roulette online in New York at this time. Should the NY legislature succeed in launching a newly regulated industry in 2023, most of the major online operators are expected to apply for licenses. Those top companies vying to offer online casino games and online slot machines in NY, potentially in partnership with local venues like the Saratoga Casino Hotel, could include:

• DraftKings NY Casino
• FanDuel NY Casino
• BetRivers NY Casino
• Caesars NY Casino
• BetMGM NY Casino

In addition, regulation would likely see to the launch of new casinos in New York seeking to offer their services to state residents.

Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga Raceway has been a landmark of the city since its inception in 1941. The track features 11 months of live racing in a season that usually lasts from February to December.

The races take place from Mondays to Wednesdays, and the half-mile track has seen some great clashes. Spectators can watch the races live from the rail, up in the grandstand or while dining at Lucky Joe’s or Fortunes restaurants.

You can place the usual win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta and all other types of bets at the racetrack or the comfortable mezzanine on the second floor. There is a $5 admission fee that includes a $5 food and beverage credit.

What’s more, Saratoga Casino Hotel has built a state-of-the-art simulcast center next to the casino floor and Diamond Jim’s bar where bettors can engage in simulcast wagering on all racetracks across the country. Finally, you can also explore the lively Mane Bar on the casino floor and place your bets there.

The Saratoga Casino Hotel is also a pioneer in online horse betting, thanks to its Saratogabets app for Android and iOS devices. It allows players to wager on horses no matter where they are in the state. The app offers convenience, unique bonuses and promotions, and reliable deposit and withdrawal options.

Saratoga Hotel and Casino amenities

The hotel at Saratoga Casino Hotel

With over 123,000 square feet of space and 117 rooms and suites, Saratoga Hotel brings the old charm of Saratoga Springs to every visitor. The interior combines rich vintage architecture with a modern touch.

The Saratoga Hotel and Casino has an indoor resort pool with a spa whirlpool and an outdoor patio, lobby bar, cafe and over 3,000 square feet of meeting and conference space. What’s more, the hotel is located in a bucolic setting minutes away from the historic downtown Saratoga Springs and a couple of steps away from the casino floor.

Plush beds, high ceilings, luxurious furnishings and top-quality bedding are there to help you rest and gather your strength for a full day of playing.

Dining options

Saratoga Casino Hotel has managed to position itself as one of the top gourmet destinations in Saratoga Springs, thanks to its various restaurants and bars. Your palate will thank you for all the sensations and flavors that await at Morton’s the Steakhouse and other five venues:

• Morton’s The Steakhouse — Premium destination for a fine dining experience. The menu is packed with USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, appetizers and more. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The Garden Buffet — The Garden Buffet is located right on the gambling floor and gives players a choice of Italian, Asian, American and Southwestern cuisines at affordable prices. There is even a special carving station, a salad bar and an array of desserts.
• Lucky Joe’s — Lucky Joe’s is located just off the casino floor and is a good option for anyone looking to grab a quick bite and head back to the gambling action pronto. The menu has pizza, sandwiches and savory deli products.
• Fortunes — Fortunes is located at the Saratoga Raceway, meaning visitors can dine and not miss a moment of the racing action. The tiered seating arrangement allows everyone to have a good view of the track.
• Mane Bar — Mane Bar is a new sports bar on the premises that features 20 taps pouring local craft beers and offers 25 multimedia screens for watching sports and betting on horse races across the country.
• Perks Café — For freshly baked pastries and bread and signature Starbucks coffee, you should head to the hotel lobby and Perks Café.

Entertainment

Saratoga Casino Hotel features Vapor nightclub, which regularly hosts live DJ shows and concerts of local bands. Vapor also has a VIP lounge you can book for a special event or celebration with friends.

Saratoga Casino Hotel history

Saratoga Casino Hotel dates back to 1941, when it opened as Saratoga Raceway with a half-mile track and a capacity of over 4,000 spectators. Following the approval of the bill allowing VLTs to be added to racetracks in 2001, Saratoga began the construction of the casino floor. In 2004, it became the first racino in the state, with over 1,200 VLTs. The same year, Saratoga Raceway changed its name to Saratoga Gaming and Raceway to reflect the new and improved venue.

In 2011, the casino added electronic table games and changed its name to Saratoga Casino and Raceway. The final change of the name occurred in 2016, following the construction of a 117-room hotel, which is why we now know the facility as Saratoga Casino Hotel.