Golden Nugget vs MGM Grand: Head-to-Head Comparison

Two of Las Vegas's Las Vegas casinos compared side by side. Golden Nugget offers 2,419 rooms, while MGM Grand offers 6,852 rooms. Here's how they stack up across gaming, rooms, amenities, and value.

Side-by-side comparison

Feature Golden Nugget MGM Grand
Location Fremont East South Strip
Price Range $$ $$
Star Rating 4.5 / 5 4.3 / 5
Total Rooms 2,419 6,852
Casino Sq Ft 38,000 171,500
Table Games 50 240
Slot Machines 1,100 2,500
Poker Room Yes Yes
Sportsbook Yes Yes
Pool Yes Yes
Buffet Yes Yes
Spa Yes Yes
Nightclub No Yes
Live Shows Yes Yes
Casino Group Independent MGM Resorts
Year Established 1946 1993

Which is better for…

Gaming enthusiasts

Winner: MGM Grand

With 240 table games and 2,500 slots, MGM Grand offers a wider gaming selection than Golden Nugget's 50 tables and 1,100 slots.

Luxury seekers

Winner: Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget pairs a $$ price tier with a 4.5/5 rating, edging out MGM Grand on the luxury scale.

Budget travelers

Tie

Both share the same $$ price tier.

Poker players

Winner: MGM Grand

Both have poker rooms; MGM Grand backs it with a larger table-game floor.

Families

Tie

Both rate similarly for families.

Couples

Winner: Golden Nugget

Golden Nugget wins for couples with a 4.5/5 rating and a full spa.

Location & getting between them

Golden Nugget sits in Downtown (Fremont East) and MGM Grand in Strip (South Strip) — about a 10-minute taxi ride apart. See our Fremont East guide and South Strip guide.

The verdict

MGM Grand wins 5 of the compared categories to 1. Choose Golden Nugget if you want higher guest ratings; choose MGM Grand if you prefer a bigger gaming floor.

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