My husband and I went to the Casino for a night's getaway. The hotel was clean, the rooms were large. We had a King smoking room, the nice thing was it DID NOT smell like stale smoke. The hotel staff that we had to deal with was very nice and friendly. We did not need to call housekeeping or use any of the amenities. I wish they would have had a indoor pool. The food court has various foods vendors. South Philly Cheesesteaks were pretty good. We had a $50.00 food voucher that we used at Emeril Burgers and more which was very good. I would highly recommend.
As for the downside of the Casino, I would like to start off by saying i am not a prejudiced person. There is an overwhelming amount of RUDE Asian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese,(not sure what they were) One man stood next to my machine and continued to snort and hock until he couldn't no more and spit a huge luggy in the trash can next to me. In the ladies room, (this happened several time) I almost got knocked over walking into the ladies room. Then as i was washing my hands in the ladies room, a lady felt the need to put her dirty hand under the water i was using. (just her fingertips). The other sinks on both sides of me were EMPTY. I was so stunned that i couldn't say anything. Over all the hotel was nice, clean and the continental breakfast was decent, had no trouble getting the food there was plenty. I would go back again.

I have been to many casinos and the Sands in Bethlehem, Pa has been of the most disappointing. I was there when it was first opened and thought it was okay; however, it has gone downhill ever since. The smoking is disgusting - it permeates the air over the entire casino. The better machines are in the "smoking area." The few newer machines they have are impossible to get and the music that I had to listen to on a Thursday was loud and very customer unfriendly! The machines are very tight. Definitely need to update the machines and generally clean up the place. It stinks of stale cigarette smoke. I definitely would not recommend it to anyone in its present condition. I would be reluctant to use the hotel based on the condition of the casino.

Stayed at the Sands for the first time. Wife and I were on our 20th anniversary vacation. (she has family nearby) We live in California and go to a number of casinos in Calif. and Vegas. The hotel was fine with the exception of having to put in your room key for the electricity to work! Also the water pressure in the shower was barely a tricle. I agree with the other posts that the slots are way too tight. Machine variety is good but the smoking side of the casino had the better ones....that's if you like to breathe. Don't know if I would go back though, funny thing is since I got back home they sent me offers for free play and free room. Time will tell

There is so much that could be improved. This is the only place where people read the paper or books in front of a slot machine or an unused blackjack table. They bus them in droves. But after they play whatever free money the casino gives them, since there is nothing in walking distance, they loiter everywhere. The buffet is worse than going to Old Country Buffet. The table games have ridiculous minimums. The video poker machines have horrible payouts (7/5 for JOB). The food court is overpriced, even for a casino. And Emeril must own stock in the place since they have 3 of his restaurants. They need to offer more for me to return.

#1 no smoking. #2 never find anyone when you want a drink. #3 the people bused in from new york on the whole just take up space and seats at the slots and are always standing and blocking the isles, but on the whole i like playing the slots at the sands.

I stink every time I leave this place, and try to get a drink LOL!! not here. The staff is nowhere to be found. I think the have more doormen that drink staff. The pub is a nice place to eat, and emerils is great. The food court is way over priced $9.00 for a burger!!!Do something about the smokers - they smoke where ever they want and are just gross, PARX is much better with the ventilation. Smoked out!!

I have to say, with the exception of tight , broken slots and heavy smoke, this place is managed with a bit of class. Management was quick in addressing my concerns from my recent visit and very generously awarded me for the time and trouble with bonus slot play, on top of my regular comp. Also, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the buffet at Cobalt. The food and service was excellent. Although it would have been nice to walk away with a win or 2, the experience was not all bad.

Whoever stated below that you could not smell smoke or if you were next to someone smoking the air went straight to the filter system must have been smoking something else. It was hands down the worst smoking experience I have ever had. I was only able to stay for 45 minutes as my eyes were burning and once I got home, I had to put my clothes in the garage!

the person below stating that they do not enforce smoking area policy was spot on. People smoke EVERYWHERE. From the minute you walk in the door you smell it.

As a craps player, it was frustrating. only 4 tables (packed on a Saturday at 10 pm) and NO atmosphere. Very disappointed.

I also like to play tournament poker and spoke to a host that said that tourney have been delayed (possibly until the hotel opens) and they will only be monday through thursday starting at 11 am. Woo hoo!!

Well, I was at this casino over this past weekend. Let me say, I never saw slot machines so incredibly tight and in such deplorable condition with busted keys and reels, making it impossible to maneuver. I ended up losing well over 500.00. Tried at least 2 dozen machines on the casino floor. Spent several hours there with nothing to show for it. Also, the cleaning people were incredibly rude and pushed me out of the way without saying excuse me , disrupting my level of play. In addition, Sands does nothing to enforce their smoking policy. People smoke wherever they want and dump their ashes on the floor if there are no ash trays available. The majority of patrons that are there are incredibly rude and disgusting. My biggest complaint though are the extremely tight machines. I am definitely considering not ever returning to this hell hole, since I drove all the way from Philly. Not worth the gas used, by all means.

I have recently visited this casino. Not only were people smoking everywhere, the slots were incredibly tight.

I live in Allentown and have frequented the Sands in Bethlehem since the day that they opened their doors. Many years ago, I was a very frequent visitor to the Sands in AC. The Sands in Bethlehem is comparatively new and I believe they are making great strides to see that the Sands is one of the best Casinos in PA. I am specially pleased with Emril's eating spots - both the dining and hamburger place - in both aeas, the wait staff is superior and the food is excellent. I must admit I can not say the same for the Deli; the wait staff is now knowledgeable nor is the food first rate. The roving floor hosts are pleasant and more than willing to assist each player. The guards on duty are neat but should be more aware of greeting the patrons as they enter the casino instead of staning in groups and carrying on conversations with each other. I am so pleased with the Sands that I limit myself to going there to gamble -- no more AC or up in the PA mountains for me - The Sands suits me to a "T".

Well, I've been to the Sands Bethlehem a few times to play poker and really enjoyed myself. It seemed like it may get loud sometimes though since the "room" is in the middle of the slots floor.

I guess they'll be getting poker tournaments soon too, which will be nice.

So glad the 18th is coming upon us ,,been waiting for roulette. I believe the minimum will be 5 dollars! This is really good too compared to Atlantic City with their nerve at 15 dollars minimum. Love that the Sands! Offers me and hubby comps to play each month. We probably will never go to other casinos again, no need the Sands is closer to our home and doesn't cost a fortune to enjoy the table games. Hope you never change. Food choices are really enjoyable too.

I like the high ceilings and good air filtration... you don't have to breathe in second-hand smoke. When in the non-smoking section, you don't even get a whiff of cigarettes... a definite plus. In older casinos, there's no getting away from the smoke. I also like the fact that it's not overly decorated, another plus away from older garish casinos. There's plenty of food choices to make and if you just want a quick bite without waiting, there's the open food court... Great idea.

I also prefer the short drive to the Sands... only 45 minutes as opposed to over 2 hours to AC. The employees at the Sands are very courteous, friendly and respectful. My only complaint is the music is TOO LOUD... it's enough to drive me out of there before I want to leave. It's so unnecessary and annoying to have that music playing at those blasting levels!!!!

The one thing that I do miss from AC is progressive poker games... I wish the Sands would add them to the casino. Other than that, I do enjoy Sands but sans the din (without the racket).

Loved the commute! It takes me 2-1/2 hours to get to Atlantic City. Only 1 hour to get to the Sands. And no traffic!

Wasn't really enthralled with the Casino. The Sands went the cheapest way possible -- no decor. It's just a big warehouse with all exposed steel beams and heating ducts and a bunch of slot machines plopped on the floor. No ambiance at all. It was difficult to tell the difference between the parking garage and the interior of the casino. But once you begin to play, you really don't notice your surroundings that much.

The machines are all brandy new and beautiful. No old, decrepit, broken down slots here. But the downside is that they allow smoking through most of the casino, and while it is nice to sit down at a pristine new slot machine, it's disgusting when you are surrounded by stinky, overflowing ashtrays. Your hands and clothing also reek of cigarettes after playing. GROSS!!!

While they do not allow table games in Pennsylvania yet, they did have really cool virtual blackjack and virtual roulette. I actually enjoyed the virtual roulette so much better than real roulette, as I didn't have to scramble to try to place my bets while reaching over other players and knocking peoples chips all over the place. And the payouts are automatically generated by computer, so the game moves along much faster. I hope they keep these virtual setups even after they get real table games.

There are not enough restaurants to support the crowd, and it's not like AC where you can just go out the door to the next casino and eat there. You are pretty much stuck at the Sands no matter what. The restaurants are also poorly run. We stood on a long line waiting for a table, while we counted no less than 6-8 empty tables at all times. That's just aggravating.

Also, everywhere we looked there seemed to be patrons having heated discussions with waiters and restaurant managers with complaints ranging from poor service, to poor food and billing errors. Very unprofessional. The food was mediocre, and when I asked for chopped chicken livers at the Carnegie Deli, the waitress made a face like she was going to hurl and said "Ugh. We don't serve that here."

I saw very little evidence of comps. I got only $5 for signing up for a Sands card -- AC offers so much more. But then the Sands has no adjacent casinos competing for your business.

Basically, I would not return to the Sands unless they had Poker, as my husband plays Poker and I play the slots, and until Poker is available, there is no reason to go. However, once they get Poker it will be a tough call. If I had an entire weekend to play, I would definitely go to Atlantic City. So much more to do there! But I have been caught in too many traffic jams on the Garden State Parkway where my 2-1/2 hour trip home from AC turned into 5 hours, and that is real torture. It's nice to know that you can jump in your car at 3 pm on Saturday, drive to Bethlehem, and be home by 10 or 11.

I live 7 min. away and we are there all the time. I really don't know why we go there so much, but we do. First of all, I don't get any free slot play anymore, although my husband does--what is with that?

We also ate at the Carnegie Deli and we were not impressed. It took 3 tries to get the correct bill total when using comps and a gift card. What a mess! I wrote an email to the casino concerning the problem, no response. The decor of the place is horrible and it looks like a plane hanger.

We've been to slots in the neighboring states and even others in PA and you can really tell the Sands cheaped out when they built this building. I hardly ever leave in the plus column and I feel fortunate if I break even. Seriously, I just go for the entertainment, such that it is.

The bands on the whole are pretty good, but the area where the stage is is way too small, and is very crowded. Again, poor use of the space. At least the place is employing people and the area looks better than it did. Hey, Mr. Addelson, finish the blasted hotel before you go building something else in FL, darn it!!!

My husband and I go to the sands all the time. We just love it there. We recently have a new found love for it when my husband won a brand new car! Couldn't ask for more than that!!

First a little background on me. I grew up in the Lehigh Valley and moved away when I turned 18. I am now 38. Most of my family still lives there and I get back usually once to twice a year. I currently live in Columbia, SC and the nearest casino is Cherokee in N.C. I won't go there simply because it's awful with terrible paybacks and is a very smoky place.

I've been to the Sands four times in the past 8 months. The first time was over 4th of July in 2009. I played penny and 2 cent slots. I dropped about $80 in 45 minutes. As I was getting ready to leave I decided to drop another $40 in and hit within 5 minutes for $525. I cashed out and thanked the Sands for helping to pay for my vacation.

I went a total of three times in December of 2009 over Christmas. The first time I went and again played penny slots and lost $100 in about 30 minutes. OK that wasn't fun. Went back later in the week to eat at Emeril's Burgers and More (B.A.M). After dinner the wife and I played penny slots and after putting $40 in I hit for $570. I cashed out and left.

I went back two days later to take my mom to the new Carnegie Deli (it's awesome BTW). I won $100 before we ate. After we ate we played some more and I went to a "Wolly Mammoth" penny slot. I put $80 into the machine and within 5 minutes I hit for almost 70,000 credits ($700). Again, I cashed out. I did go into the high roller room and put $100 into a Wheel of Fortune $1 machine. I spun whatever spins $100 gave me and didn't win a penny.

Now am I just totally lucky to win over $1,500 in three separate trips this year? I'm sure luck has a LOT to do with it as this is slots not poker or BJ. That being said, I've always found the trip to "winning" at slots is when you get up (double your original investment or more) cash out, walk away, and say "thank you very much" to the casino and enjoy the rest of your day.

With table games coming in 2010 I am quite excited to see what the Sands will turn into. The restaurants are pretty good at this place. The atmosphere is kind of dead, but I think the table games will change that.

Save your money!

I think the cocktail serveres who are far and few to find, should be handing out free no-doze pills to keep you awake! The machines do not pay out! At one point 38 spins on the slot machine 36 times the front wheel drew a blank space taking you completely out of the interest of playing the machines.

In the last 6 months I have seen 2 jackpots go off. It is nothing to spend $100 in a machine and within 10 minutes it's gone. The place is like a funeral parlor. No-action. No winners. Nothing! You have a better chance of jumping off the bridge and surviving the fall than hitting a win on the slots.

I can see the same thing happening as it has in AC. You get tired of losing every time you visit. Just stay home and drink a beer it will be far more enjoyable and more exciting than this place. How do the sands executives sleep at night? This is just legalized robbery at its best.

We were in the area and decided to stop in. Only $5 bonus play for first time club cards! Sheesh. No atmosphere at all. It's like an airplane hangar. The place is beautiful, but there is no noise, no energy. It feels flat. And, no fun.

Most machines we played are "death marchers"; blank... blank... blank... cherry... blank... blank.... We ate at Carnegie Deli, which is no bargain but the food is good and plentiful; $18 for a corned beef Reuben, but it was quality lean corned beef and lasted for 3 filling meals.

I was really looking forward to going to this place! I should have read the reviews first then they wouldn't have taken all my money!! It took hours to get a drink, the slot selection just sucked and it really wasn't that neat of a place! This place makes me never want to gamble again!! If you want to have fun, don't waste your time!!! SERIOUSLY DON'T GO !!!!!!

This has got to be the WORST slot parlor I've ever laid foot in. Someone from the casino "corporate" must have done great market research and found that people in this area will just throw away money if there is even an inkling that they MIGHT get something back.

I agree with the other posts, all the free play in the world does not keep people coming back .... paying out does. I live about 5 minutes from the place and go to walk around ... and every once in a while I put some money in knowing that I will NOT be getting anything back. I am pleasantly surprised when I get to play even the slightest bit more than I have put in.

Overpriced Food + mediocre slot selection + very bad payouts = a place that is not fun to visit. At least back when the casinos were run by the movers and shakers, they at least tried to make it seem like you had a chance to win something.

I go here every month even though I am a table game player, (which I hope to see at the sands in near future.) I do play roulette on the machines, I think there is a good selection of machines and find there are always machines available.

I love the selections in the food court. I am also happy that I am sent credit money each month to use. The ride there is so easy too and it's much closer for us then going to AC. I also like that there are many workers to help, and I find them all to be pleasant.

I will continue to visit each month and must say there is nothing to enjoy outside the casino though, but that's ok with me too. One thing I have to say is I found a bit cheap of the casino is the lanyard, the springy stretchy wire that holds your players card. They charge $2.00 for it in the gift shop where other casinos will give it to you free...

This is not a casino - it's a slot parlor, so don't get your hopes up too high.

They do have a convenient enclosed parking area, although it can be tricky to navigate.

Inside is a large, rectangular, high ceiling open area where all the slots are arranged with ample aisle room to walk around. Being a slot connoisseur for many, many years, I was very disappointed in the selection of machines.

A majority of the slots are the new low denomination (penny and nickel) video and multi reel and loaded with gimmicks machines where you are encouraged to play the maximum bet, usually around 2 or 3 dollars and are set up to offer low paybacks.

There are very few 'traditional' 3 reel spinning slots of 50 cents and 1 dollar. The selection of high roller slot machines are no better. Unfortunately, this is the trend of the new corporate-owned casinos. They are only interested in extracting as much money as possible from their patrons with no regards for building loyalty or providing a decent gaming experience. I found them much less payout friendly than Atlantic City, which is not that great either.

The food and customer service is about average. In all, this facility is good for locals to pass their time and dream a bit, but it is not for the serious player.

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I was at the casino for the 1st time and i was pleasantly surprised how nice it was inside. The machines were good, not that i won alot on them but i played quite a while on my money. I did win one of the hourly raffles they give. It was a $500 gift certificate to Lowes. I was in total shock since i have NEVER won a raffle at any casino.

The employees there are very pleasant and the food court was also very nice. You have a varity of foods to eat and the prices are not bad at all. I was thrilled to have Nathan's there.... The casino itself smelled very nice i was skeptic from one review i read on here prior to going. I was Shocked i didnt smell the smoking section at all and i was playing in it and it was NOT that bad at all.. YES i would go back again that's for sure

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Have been to the Sands twice since I am close. The place leaves me cold. The machines do not pay. Never saw anyone hit a jackpot. If you want people to come you need to give them something to come for like a win once in awhile. All the free play in the world makes no difference. The video table games are lame. Walking past the BJ table and the video girl is saying "play with me Baby", give me a break people. If you sit at a slot you can spend a lot of money in a very short time. A little give and take would be helpful and keep people there longer. Most of my friends agree.

Hope they pass the table law in PA.

On a plus, I found the people that work there to be very friendy, esp. those at the bar and the valet guys. Ate at both resturants and both were fine.

You can not get lost in this place. Machines were up to date, very clean, fun to play, and I left with more than I brought with me. I play at alot of casinos in Pa. Del. WV. NJ. and Vegas and do not by far win all the time. Having a good time and being treated well makes my trip worthwhile. I definitely will return. This is a new casino and those working there are proud of this addition in their community. Nothing is 100 percent but I'm sure it will even get better with time. To the naysayers, if you constantly lose don't blame others for your misfortune, get a 4 leaf clover and start all over again.

From the outside its obvious the place is still under construction. Little to no signage. Still looks like rusted steel mill from the outside. Hotel is under construction as is additional gaming space. Interior keeps a bit of the steel mill theme. Simple, tasteful and machines are very widely spaced. Very wide aisles prevent people from bumping into each other. Machines all new and there is a good variety.



Only two sit down restaurants: Emiril's - very,very expensive and an Irish Pub which is reasonably priced with a 2 hour wait at 6PM on a Saturday and they do not take reservations. Food court is better than most, good variety and reasonably priced. No buffet.



Staff was reasonably friendly, waitress service very uneven depending on your location on the gaming floor. Alcohol is free - major advantage over competitors Mohegan Sun @ Pocono and Mt. Airy where liquor is free to only premium card members. Needs more restaurants and I'll bet when the place is done they will have them and much more. Off to a better than decent start.



Surrounding area is grim, very grim. I hope the casino/hotel sparks local development. Stark difference from bucolic Mt. Airy setting and open spaces of Mohegan Sun @ Pocono. Completed hotel better have extraordinary amenities for anyone to want to stay overnight in this neck of the rust belt.

Very open and easy to get around, good selection of slots. Food was very good and employees were helpful.

No charge for drinks at the machines was a plus. Alot of future additions are planned Hotel,shops etc. I do not expect to win everytime I gamble but having a good time means alot. I enjoyed this casino and expect it only to get better with time. I will return.

I live in the area so I was exposed to the years of hype which preceded the opening of this casino a couple of months ago. Maybe that's why visiting it for the first couple of times was so disappointing.

First of all, I expected something built on a truly grand scale. I've been to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, and I expected it to be AT LEAST as nice as that, but it doesn't even approach the grandness factor of MS. When I walk into a casino--any casino--for the first time, I expect to feel as if I've been transported to another world. The Bethlehem Sands casino doesn't do that. Well, let me rephrase that. It didn't transport me to a world where I wanted to be!

If you're 65 or older, you might like the atmosphere. (Trust me, you'll fit right in with the rest of the clientele.) But for a younger individual, the Sands leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, there are restaurants and bars, but basically, this is just a ginormous room filled with every kind of slot machine under the sun, and that's all folks! Oh wait, I forgot, it's smoky, too. (As a former smoker, that's not something I appreciated.) If slots, drinks and ciggies are enough to keep you entertained, then you may enjoy this place. But for those with discerning tastes, accustomed to sophistication, don't expect a lot if you visit. This was obviously built by Sands to lower standards than anything they would have built in Vegas or any other cosmopolitan locale (i.e. Hong Kong, Macau, etc.). In short, it could have been a lot more than what it is.