It’s impossible to miss the Excalibur on the Las Vegas Strip. Themed after a medieval castle, its red, blue, and gold-tipped towers stand out like something straight from a fantasy film. Whether you’re driving down Las Vegas Boulevard or flying in over the desert, Excalibur’s playful design makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in town.
Built by Circus Circus Enterprises, Excalibur opened its doors in June 1990 at a cost of around $290 million, making it one of the largest hotels in the world at the time. The property launched during the peak of Vegas’s family-friendly era, aiming to blend affordable fun with the spectacle of a fairytale kingdom. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to modernize its rooms and gaming areas while keeping its signature medieval charm intact.
Now more than three decades old, Excalibur may be showing its age by Vegas standards, but that doesn’t mean the casino—or its sportsbook—should be overlooked. Behind the whimsical castle façade lies a solid, budget-friendly MGM resort with plenty to offer both casual travelers and sports bettors alike.
In this Excalibur review, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the quality of the sportsbook and betting experience to its reward program, dining options, and more.
The Excalibur is one of MGM’s more budget-friendly properties on the Strip—think Mandalay Bay or Bellagio for the luxury end of the spectrum. That has its upsides and downsides. On one hand, it’s far more affordable than many neighboring resorts. On the other, it lacks the polish and high-end feel of Vegas’s premier destinations.
We wouldn’t rank Excalibur among the best sportsbooks in Las Vegas, but it still offers a solid experience for casual bettors. The sportsbook sits toward the back of the main casino floor, near the small poker room and a café. It’s easy enough to find—just expect a short walk through the gaming area to get there.
Excalibur’s sportsbook is currently operated by BetMGM, one of the biggest names in U.S. sports betting. For much of its history, however, the book was managed under MGM Resorts’ own in-house Race & Sports division, long before BetMGM was created. The BetMGM brand officially took over around 2019, when MGM Resorts and UK-based Entain (formerly GVC Holdings) launched their joint venture to modernize MGM’s retail and online betting operations. Since then, the Excalibur sportsbook has been rebranded and integrated into the BetMGM network, offering a consistent experience with other MGM properties across Las Vegas.
The in-person setup delivers the familiar BetMGM look and feel—clean displays, digital odds boards, and quick ticket service—while the BetMGM Nevada app syncs directly for mobile betting inside state lines. Just note that account registration still requires an in-person visit at an MGM location, and the app only functions within Nevada borders due to state-specific licensing laws.
The seating area at the Excalibur sportsbook is comfortable and well laid out. Several rows of leather chairs face the main screen, with an additional section of tables and chairs for those who prefer a more relaxed setup. Toward the back—where smoking is permitted—you’ll find a few high tables that work perfectly for groups watching the games together.
Dozens of TVs line the walls, offering clear views of every major event for both horseplayers and sports bettors. The large betting board displaying Excalibur sportsbook odds is easy to see from almost anywhere in the room. Complimentary drink vouchers aren’t exactly a steal, but they’re still cheaper than what most Strip properties offer. Expect to wager $100 on sports or $10 on horses to earn a free beverage.
Excalibur sports lines are offered on all the major sports, along with horse and dog racing, which is the same as other venues on the Strip like the Flamingo or Harrah’s. The wait in line is short with little traffic in this room. They have eight betting windows available, but only a few are open on weekdays.
We understand that some bettors aren’t thrilled about Nevada’s in-person registration rule. Unfortunately, the state still requires you to visit a physical location like Excalibur to activate your mobile betting account. For travelers or casual players, that extra step can be inconvenient—especially when all you want to do is place a quick wager from your phone.
For those who prefer a simpler, fully online experience, offshore sportsbooks are a strong alternative. They typically offer better odds, bigger welcome bonuses, and faster payouts—especially when using cryptocurrency. A trusted option like Bovada combines all those perks with nationwide access, meaning you can bet from anywhere in the U.S. without worrying about local restrictions or lengthy verification steps.
The Excalibur sportsbook is a decent size and includes a keno lounge. If those aren’t the numbers you are looking for, bettors will discover many betting options on sporting events and pari-mutuel wagering in this venue located near the south end of the Strip.
Here are some of the sports available on the BetMGM sportsbook app:
