The war on tobacco has claimed bars, restaurants, and even outdoor spaces as smoke-free environments. Now the fight has reached the doorstep of historically cigar-friendly casinos. Some have knuckled under while others have stepped up to open upscale havens for cigar lovers.
The overreach of the nanny state has not stopped at banning smoking in restaurants, bars, parks, and beaches. Casinos and the companies that own them have succumbed to the drumbeat of anti-smoking zealots. In Atlantic City, for example, smoking is currently allowed in only 25% of the casino floors of this once proud and free gaming district. In Nevada, smoking is still allowed in most casinos but groups including Trinity Health, a national, nonprofit healthcare network, and Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, are pushing to end smoking in casinos. Their pressure has led to a proposal presented to the stockholders of Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, and Bally’s Corp. urging them to require corporate management of the three companies to commission a report on the potential cost savings that could come from a smoke-free policy at their properties.
We are by nature biased on this matter. But we’re also of the mind that the cost savings will not come close to the amount of business lost from a smoke-free policy. We look to past results as an indicator; when smoking has been banned in bars, it seems natural that some customers took their dollars to cigar bars. And while Atlantic City has a whole host of problems that are not related to the smoking issue, those gamers who enjoy a smoke of any kind, and with the resources, appear to have taken their action from the smoke-free casinos in what was once called “The World’s Playground” to the relatively smokey environs of Las Vegas casinos.
As lovers of premium cigars, our best defense is two-pronged; support organizations like Cigar Rights of America, Premium Cigar Association, and the Cigar Association of America and most importantly, vote with your dollars. If you plan on visiting casinos, make it a point to seek out cigar-friendly venues and patronize them. And if by chance you are a stockholder in one of the above-mentioned companies, don’t forget to vote during shareholder meetings.
The Lounges
As you can imagine, the landscape of casino cigar lounges is ever-changing. Some of the casino lounges we’ve visited over the years are no longer open, while at the same time there has been a rush of new ones popping up all over the country. The following are some of our favorite indoor cigar lounges in casinos from our travels, that are open as of this writing.
Casa Fuente
Caesars Palace
Las Vegas, NV
In the eyes of many, Casa Fuente is the granddaddy of casino cigar lounges. Opened in 2005 at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Casa Fuente boasts a range of exclusive cigars including the eponymous Casa Fuente, produced for the store by Tabacalera A. Fuente. The extensive rum selection and classic cocktails are another big draw for Casa Fuente. Regular visitors swear by the mojito and we can’t really disagree with that notion.
The place has a singular feel in that in spite of its location inside of a world-famous casino shopping center bustling with tourists around the clock, it feels like you’re a member of an intimate club when you’re inside.
[NOTE: Smoking is allowed inside Casa Fuente but it is no longer allowed on the patio area.]
Eight Cigar Lounge
Resorts World Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Opened in 2021, Eight Cigar Lounge is a 4,500-square-foot luxury cigar bar located inside the Resorts World Las Vegas. The space features a mix of seating including bar, lounge chairs, private rooms, and an outdoor terrace, which adds another 2,300 square feet of smoking area.
The sheer size of this lounge sets it apart, but the selection of top-shelf smokes, spirits, and crafted cocktails takes Eight to another level. It’s not uncommon to rub elbows with celebrities, from Hollywood to sports stars to musicians, not to mention cigar rock stars, many of whom are locker members at the lounge.
If hunger strikes while at Eight, patrons can order from the menu at Brezza, just next door where executive chef Nicole Brisson’s Italian-driven menu promises to elevate your experience with everything from pan-seared halibut to beef cheek ravioli.
Pívat Cigar Lounge
Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
Rancho Mirage, CA
Derived from the Cahuilla word for “smoking tobacco,” Pívat offers a sophisticated cigar smoking environment inside of Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, about 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, CA. The impeccably maintained walk-in humidor boasts a broad selection of roughly 400 facings from top brands like Oliva, Davidoff, and Padrón, to name a few.
The stylishly designed lounge offers comfortable leather seating, a private room, an outdoor terrace, and a bar teeming with your choice of libations. In addition to the gaming screens at the bar, the lounge area also has slots as well as table games affording cigar lovers the ability to take part in gaming action without having to leave the lounge.
The food options at Pívat are stellar thanks to the menu curated for the lounge by the award-winning eatery, The Steakhouse. Patrons can order handheld bites like the candied hanging bacon or the French dip sandwich, both of which are excellent, or go all in with the ribeye 88; either way, you can’t lose.
Montecristo Cigar Bar
Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
With locations in both Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas, Montecristo Cigar Bar offers cigar lovers an upscale spot designed for maximum cigar enjoyment. Situated a couple of doors down from JJ’s Boulangerie on Le Boulevard inside Paris Las Vegas, the newest Montecristo Cigar Bar has a distinctly French style with its ornate detailing, elegant chandeliers, and checkerboard stone floors.
There are comfortable leather chairs throughout as well as seating at the bar, which features gaming screens. The sizable selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including their “whiskey library,” complements the 300+ facings of premium cigars in the walk-in humidor. A common misconception is that you’ll only find Montecristo cigars in the humidor, but that’s not the case. The selection features many top brands including My Father, La Flor Dominicana, and Arturo Fuente among others.
The Caesars location of Montecristo Cigar Bar boasts a similar setup, albeit in a more classic American cigar bar style. The 208-inch video wall and TV screens throughout make this a perfect spot to watch sporting events while the private dining room allows 10 people to have a more intimate outing with food from Caesars Palace eateries like Peter Luger, Stanton Social Prime, and Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, to name a few.
Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911
The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
Hollywood, FL
Just down the way from the main entrance to The Guitar Hotel, passing the picture-worthy oculus fountain, you’ll find the Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911. At first glance, it looks like a standard Davidoff retail storefront, not unlike those seen in other casinos. High-end accessories, a well-stocked walk-in humidor on your right as you enter, and a friendly, well-trained tobacconist to answer any questions.
If you don’t ask to enter the lounge, you’d never know that behind that retail space is a beautifully appointed cigar bar replete with comfortable seating, TVs, private lockers, and a bar loaded with high-end spirits, wine, and beer. The low-lit environs along with the nondescript entrance give off an undeniable speakeasy vibe while the healthy mix of tourists and local regulars make everyone feel like they’ve just found their new high-end home away from home.
Legends of Fire
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
Spokane, WA
Billed as “Spokane’s only premium cigar bar,” Legends of Fire provides smokers with an upscale spot to enjoy their favorite smoke. The walk-in humidor has a good selection of established brands as well as some lesser-known up and comers providing a good balance of selection. The bar is stocked with a good variety of top-shelf spirits as well as beers and wine but their seasonal cocktail menu is always fun to try. Finally, Legends serves up a curated menu of bites like a charcuterie board, salads, and a killer double smash burger.
Lit Cigar Lounge
Snoqualmie Casino
Snoqualmie, WA
Finding a place to enjoy a premium cigar is difficult in the Pacific Northwest, but Lit Cigar Lounge inside of Snoqualmie Casino provides that and then some. The comfortable seating, fully stocked humidor boasting a wide selection of brands, and superb staff set this place apart. Moreover, you won’t feel the sticker shock that comes along with many casino cigar lounges. Lit prides itself on its customer service at fair brick and mortar prices.
If you’re planning a visit, inquire about Lit’s annual Washington Cigar & Spirits Festival in late September. Since 2011, Lit has been hosting this fun, multi-vendor cigar event with brands that include Drew Estate, My Father, and Foundation among several others. Spirit sponsors like Lagavulin, The Macallan, Angel’s Envy, and Old Forester highlight a stout list of wine and spirits.