Try your luck at these casinos near Atlanta

Gambling might be illegal in Georgia, but that doesn’t mean a fun weekend at the casino is out of your reach. There are plenty of top-rated casinos within a day’s drive of Atlanta, just waiting for you to come and place your bets.

If you’re feeling lucky and don’t mind spending a few hours in the car, take a weekend trip to some of the best casinos in the South. You never know, you might even go back home a few dollars richer.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

It’s just over a three-hour drive to Cherokee via US-23 North, which makes Cherokee Casino Resort a viable option for a quick casino getaway. The casino also features a hotel, multiple restaurants, arcade games and concerts. It’s also conveniently located just an hour outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, so your options for securing other accommodations are abundant.

If you want something even closer to Atlanta, check out Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, NC. It’s not as grand or as accommodating as Cherokee, but it’s ideal for one-night stays.

Location: North Carolina - 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719; Website: caesars.com

Beau Rivage Resort and Casino

You’ll be in “The Playground of the South” in less than six hours from Atlanta. While there are many casinos in this gambling town, the Beau Rivage has it all. You’ll never want to leave the resort, with everything from table games to concerts to views of the Gulf Coast.

Location: Mississippi - 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530; Website: beaurivage.mgmresorts.com

Harrah’s New Orleans

If you don’t mind a full day’s drive, getting to New Orleans will take you just under seven hours via I-85 South, I-65 South and I-10 West from Atlanta. Everything seems more fun and festive in the Big Easy, and gambling is no exception. Harrah’s is a resort and casino, so there’s plenty of options for staying for the weekend. The casino offers table games, slot machines, video poker and tournaments on special occasions.

Alexander Kostin, of Betting Expert, says, “The Crescent City is more than just festivals, parades and voodoo. Casinos are another popular entertainment option for tourists that shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Location: Louisiana - 228 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130; Website: caesars.com