Wind Creek Bethlehem Resort Review
Wind Creek Bethlehem Resort Review
Formerly Sands Bethlehem, Wind Creek Casino is located along the Lehigh River in Northeast Pennsylvania. The facility offers a wide range of slots and table games plus live poker and live dealer stadium gambling. It also has a four-star hotel on site.
Wind Creek Hospitality, a real estate operation of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, purchased the property from Las Vegas Sands for $1.3 billion. Following the rebranding, Wind Creek made its way into the PA online betting market.
Wind Creek was the 10th operator to launch an online casino in Pennsylvania. For retail and online sports betting, Wind Creek partners with UK-based Betfred brand. It also holds a license to offer online poker, but those plans are yet to be announced.
While the name has changed to Wind Creek Casino, it still draws not only large numbers of local players, but also visitors from surrounding areas. The casino is located 82 miles from New York City, 50 miles from Philadelphia and only 10 miles from Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, as well as 6.7 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport.
Wind Creek Bethlehem
77 Wind Creek Blvd.
Bethlehem, PA 18105
1-877-218-3237
Our Top Online Casino Offers
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino gambling
Whatever your preferences are, you can be sure to find it at Wind Creek Bethlehem. Choose from casino table games, slots, video poker or even poker.
Slots
With such a wide variety of slots, you can play for as little as 1 cent up to $100 a wager. In addition, you don’t need to be hassled by heading to a casino cage. Every slot machine is equipped to accept your bills to add credits immediately without leaving the comfort of your seat.
Moreover, there are multiple game themes and jackpot progressives along with multi-line, multi-coin and even interactive bonuses.
Some popular slot machines include:
- Triple Red Hot 777
- Wheel of Fortune
- Monopoly
- 88 Fortunes
- Timberwolf
- Willy Wonka
- Dragon Link
- Buffalo Grand
Table games
The Wind Creek Bethlehem spreads over 200 table games, including:
- Blackjack
- Casino War
- Big Six
- Caribbean Stud Poker
- Craps
- Criss Cross Poker
- Bonus Bet Blackjack
- Fortune Pai Gow Poker
- Let It Ride Stud Poker
- Mini/Midi Baccarat
- Roulette
- Sic Bo
- Texas Hold ’em Bonus
- Three Card Progressive Poker
Some unique new games to the Wind Creek at Bethlehem are:
Blazing 7s
This is a game that is considered to be a progressive side bet for the traditional blackjack game. You wager $5 on the Blazing 7s sensor and your bet enters you for a chance to win the progressive jackpot.
21+3 Xtreme
With this game, you are essentially playing two games in one, especially if you like to play three card poker along with blackjack. First, you play a regular blackjack hand, but you have the option to play the 21+3 Xtreme 3 Card Bonus. Bet payouts range from five to 30 times your original bet.
The three card poker hand consists of your two cards and the dealer’s up card.
Bonus bet blackjack
Here’s a different and more exciting spin on blackjack: double down and split. When you choose the bonus bet option, the dealer places a special lammer next to your wager. Then, if you win the hand, you get paid as if you made the traditional split or double with no additional money at risk.
Additionally, this game mode allows:
- Bonus split any pair but not 10s.
- Bonus re-splitting.
- Bonus double any two cards totaling hard 9-11.
- Bonus doubling after splitting.
If a dealer busts with 22, you push. The Push 22 side bet wins only if a dealer busts with 22 total points. Player blackjacks are paid out before a dealer hits, so they are exempt from the Push 22.
King’s Bounty
Another exciting twist on the traditional blackjack game, this game pays out when a player’s first two cards total 20. Make a standard blackjack bet, and then your King’s Bounty side bet. Then, the dealer deals out blackjack, and players can win the King’s Bounty side bet if their cards equal 20.
Win the top prize when you have two kings of spades versus the dealer’s blackjack.
Criss Cross Poker
This game is a variation that is very similar to Texas Hold ’em. Make two ante bets that are equal in value for an “ante across” and “ante down.” You can also choose to bet for an additional five-card bonus.
Now, each player is dealt two cards face down, and then the five community cards are dealt face down in a cross pattern with three in a column and three in a row. Then, players will make wagers for the across row and the down column with their two face-down cards for two separate hands of poker.
Poker room
Find the 26-table poker room located directly next to Molten Lounge.
Choose from a variety of poker games such as:
- Limit Hold ’em
- No-Limit Hold ’em
- Stud
- Omaha
Limits start from $3 and $6 with automated shufflers at every table.
The poker room is smoke-free with 19 55” TVs along with adjustable chairs with wheels and USB ports at each seat. Additionally, you order table-side for any meals and snacks along with complimentary beverages or massage services.
Bad beat jackpots are available every day, so if you lose a hand, you win big anyway.
Live dealer stadium gambling
The Wind Creek at Bethlehem boasts the United States’ largest live dealer stadium with gambling terminals. Find baccarat, roulette and blackjack with $5 minimums.
Also, play multiple games at the same time if you’d like on your electronic betting terminal. With live dealer stadium gambling, you can play without the hassle of waiting on other players.
Rewards at Wind Creek Bethlehem
Players should sign up for the Wind Creek Bethlehem rewards program because it is completely free and you get rewarded for all your play.
There are four tiers based upon points that you earn that unlock different resorts or online benefits. You accumulate tier benefits from play beginning Jan. 1 until Dec. 31 of each calendar year.
Get one tier point per $5 wagered on slot machines or $10 on video poker. Get two tier points for every $1 wagered in table game theoreticals.
Terms and conditions apply to all offers. Please see Wind Creek Bethlehem Resort for details. 21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER+
Play Tier: 0 to 19,999 points
For resort benefits:
- Take part in promotions, drawings and other special events.
- Get a 5% discount on purchases and food and beverages (excludes alcohol and tobacco).
- Five times the bonus points on table play (doesn’t count toward higher tiers).
- Discounts on three-night stays at other Wind Creek resorts.
- $25 food credit when you earn 200 slot-based points or 1,400 table points on the same day.
- Convert your points to slots bonus play.
For online benefits:
- Play online at no extra charge.
- Access a community manager.
- Check your rewards online.
- Participle in online auctions, tournaments and drawings.
Escape Tier: 20,000 to 49,999 points
Obtain additional and higher benefits when compared to the Play Tier.
For resort benefits:
- Get a 10% discount on purchases and food and beverages (excludes alcohol and tobacco).
- Six times the bonus points on table play (doesn’t count toward higher tiers).
- Hold your machine for up to one hour when playing in high limit slots.
- Bonus play for achievement bonus.
- Birthday bonus-play special.
- A complimentary three-night stay at any Wind Creek resort and complimentary ground transportation.
Delight Tier: 50,000 to 199,999 points
Obtain additional and higher benefits when compared to the Escape Tier.
For resort benefits:
- Get a 15% discount on purchases and food and beverages (excludes alcohol and tobacco).
- Priority line access to rewards center and check-in.
- Hold your machine for up to two hours when playing in high limit slots.
- Complimentary valet and VIP parking.
- Seven times the bonus points on table play (doesn’t count toward higher tiers).
- Access the high limit slots lounge or the table games salon.
- A complimentary five-night stay at any Wind Creek resort and complimentary ground transportation plus $50 bonus play or match play.
Fantasy Tier: 200,000+ points
Obtain additional and higher benefits when compared to the Delight Tier.
- For resort benefits:
- Get a 20% discount on purchases and food and beverage venues (excludes alcohol and tobacco).
- Priority line access to rewards center and check-in
- Hold your machine for up to four hours when playing in high limit slots.
- Complimentary valet and VIP parking
- Birthday bonus play, match play, or gift card bonus
- Eight times the bonus points on table play
- Guaranteed dining reservations, complimentary cabana once a month
- Access to lounge in high limit slots and table games salon
- Complimentary 2pm checkout, access to Spa Lounge, Fitness Room
- A complimentary five-night stay at any Wind Creek resort and complimentary ground transportation plus $100 bonus play or match play
Casino security at the Wind Creek Bethlehem
Wind Creek is licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. You must be 21 or older in order to be in the casino to gamble. Thus, at Wind Creek Bethlehem, no one under the age of 21 is legally allowed on the casino floor. Additionally, any offers, promotions or contests are only open to those 21 or older.
To clarify, there are restaurants located within the casino, and people younger than 21 are welcome to dine there. However, a security guard must escort you to the restaurant if you or anyone in your party is under the age of 21.
All casinos within Pennsylvania are subject to all of the rules and regulations set forth by the PGCB, which is known for close monitoring and high standards for security and fairness.
Staying at Wind Creek Bethlehem
This luxurious four-star hotel property offers various types of accommodations. All of the rooms and suites come with these amenities:
- Plush king- or queen-sized pillow-topped beds.
- Complimentary high-speed wireless internet.
- Media hubs.
- Remote check-out.
- Flat screen TVs.
- In-suite safe.
- Coffee brewers.
Standard rooms are approximately 400 square feet along with your choice of either one king bed or two queen beds. Guests who desire more space and luxurious accommodations can opt for either an Executive (approximately 800 square feet), Presidential (approximately 1,200 square feet) or Chairman’s Suite (approximately 1,600 square feet).
The Chairman’s Suite comes with an additional formal living room, dining area with a dry bar and a media room along with two bathrooms featuring Bulgari amenities.
Other features for all guests include in-room dining, a spa and salon, pool, fitness center, meeting space, Kids Quest and Cyber Quest play facility and arcade, and The Outlets at Wind Creek.
Rates vary depending on the season, days of the week and demand. On average, room prices on weekdays run around $129 and up. Weekend room rates run on average over $200 per night.
About hotel packages
The Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a variety of hotel packages to accommodate your preferences. Choose from:
Stay & Game Package
- One-night hotel stay for two at Wind Creek.
- $10 bonus slot play per person.
On Sunday to Thursday, the package starts at $159.
Friday: starting at $199.
Saturday: starting at $259.
Stay, Game & Dine Package
- One-night hotel stay for two at Wind Creek.
- Either a $50 or $100 voucher for dining at Emeril’s restaurants or Buddy V’s Ristorante.
- $10 bonus slot play per person.
Package rates do fluctuate based on demand, and there is an additional $10 charge for queen rooms.
For the $50 voucher:
- On Sunday to Thursday, the package starts at $199.
- Friday: starting at $239.
- Saturday: starting at $299.
For the $100 voucher:
- On Sunday to Thursday, the package starts at $249.
- Friday: starting at $289.
- Saturday: starting at $349.
Kids Quest Stay and Play Package
- One-night hotel stay for two at Wind Creek.
- Kids Quest voucher BOGO for $11.
- $10 bonus slot play per person.
Package rates do fluctuate based on demand, and there is an additional $10 charge for queen rooms.
On Sunday-Thursday, the package starts at $160.
Friday: starting at $200.
Saturday: starting at $260.
Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem Package
- One-night hotel stay for two at Wind Creek.
- Gift card worth $50 to spend at the Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
- $10 bonus slot play per person.
Package rates do fluctuate based on demand, and there is an additional $10 charge for queen rooms.
On Sunday-Thursday, the package starts at $199.
Friday: starting at $239.
Saturday: starting at $299.
Golf Package
Pick from any of the following courses located in the Lehigh Valley:
- Bethlehem Golf Club
- Allentown Municipal Golf Course
- Hideaway Hills Golf Club
- Golden Oaks Golf Club
- Olde Homestead Golf Club
- Morgan Hill Golf Club
- Southmoore Golf Club
- The Architect’s Club
Wind Creek Bethlehem dining and entertainment
There are a multitude of restaurants to whet your appetite at Wind Creek Bethlehem, either available during the day or evening and whether you prefer dining on the go or a full-service gourmet meal. Here are your dining options:
Emeril’s Chop House
World famous chef Emeril Lagasse opened this elegant and comfortable steakhouse. Decorated with modern finishes and an extensive and creative menu, this restaurant also won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence in 2019.
Operating hours:
- Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Emeril’s Fish House
Check out the numerous seafood options, including jumbo crab cakes, calamari, octopus, fresh fish and fried seafood platters. In addition, there is a raw bar where diners can watch the chefs prepare each day’s fresh seafood selections. Finally, desserts include Emeril’s famous bourbon bread pudding and warm pecan-caramel tarts.
Operating hours:
- Wednesday-Sunday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Monday-Tuesday: closed
Burgers and More by Emeril
Check out the selection of prime and grass-fed beef burgers along with alternative options such as seafood, turkey and veggie burgers. This restaurant also features a changing and delectable burger of the month.
Operating hours:
- Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Buddy V’s Ristorante
From TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro now has this restaurant at Wind Creek Bethlehem featuring all his favorite Italian-American dishes. Of course, you can’t miss his famous desserts such as lobster tail pastry and cannolis.
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
- Friday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Carlo’s Bakery
Choose from more pastries, cakes and desserts from TLC’s Cake Boss. The bakery is located in The Outlets and offers a 10% military discount with your ID.
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
- Sunday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Chopstick
Your go-to restaurant for Asian cuisine.
Operating hours:
- Daily from 12 p.m. until 1:45 a.m.
Croissanterie
Get your quick fix with coffee by the cup or croissants and baguettes.
Operating hours:
- Sunday-Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
The Market Gourmet Express
Variety is the spice of life. Choose from Nathan’s famous hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salads and even sushi. Desserts and coffee are also available.
Choose from four locations:
GreenLeafs: Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Far East & South Philly Steaks & Fries: Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m.
Villa Italian Kitchen: Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m.
Mo Burger, Bananas & Casa Java: 24/7
Steelworks Buffet and Grill
Choose from either a la carte or buffet with live cooking stations, pizza, pasta and fresh carved meats.
Operating hours and prices:
- Sunday-Thursday from 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. with lunch and dinner during the week for $19.95 and Friday dinner for $34.95.
- Friday-Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. with Saturday lunch for $23.95 and dinner for $34.95, and Sundays for $25.95.
Molten Lounge
A hot nightspot with live entertainment seven days a week. Get all your traditional favorite cocktails and martinis.
Wind Creek Event Center
The box office sells tickets to special events and concerts.
Operating hours:
- Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
There are extended hours during special events.
Coil
Get all your drinks and cocktails right in the center of the casino and don’t miss all the action.
Operating hours: Daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.
Wind Creek Bethlehem History, Sands to Online Gambling
The much-heralded May 22, 2009, opening of the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA, was exciting news for this depressed area along the Lehigh River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The casino was built on the site formerly occupied by the Bethlehem Steel Co.
Sands Bethlehem is one of the casinos in Pennsylvania that applied for the $10 million online gambling licensing package to offer slots, table games and online poker. Even though Sands is vehemently anti-online gambling, its buyer was determined to offer online betting.
Wind Creek Hospitality, the real estate arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, purchased Sands Bethlehem for $1.3 billion in March 2018. Both companies went before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Oct. 3, 2018. In the approval meeting, Sands testified that it had no knowledge of Wind Creek’s plans and it disapproved of whatever the plans were. Still, the property acquired online gambling licenses.
After Sands Bethlehem fully transformed into Wind Creek, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians moved forward with online betting plans. The Wind Creek online casino went live in late July 2020, and it could potentially offer online poker in the future, as well.
In late 2019, the casino also filed an application for a $10 million sports betting license. The company partnered with popular UK bookmaker Betfred to offer online and retail sports betting, which both launched in Q4 2020.
Summary
Overall, Wind Creek Bethlehem is one of the nicest casinos and hotels in Pennsylvania. Not only can you choose from myriad games, but the amenities and entertainment are diverse, as well.
Many comments on TripAdvisor and Google praise the hotel and casino for recently renovated and clean rooms along with friendly staff. In addition, there are some world-class restaurants located within the casino such as Emeril’s Chop House, Buddy V’s Ristorante and Emeril’s Fish House.
However, there are a few complaints. For example, as with any casino, guests say that the slots are too tight. It must be noted though that the PGCB regulates Wind Creek Bethlehem, which sets the slot payout at a minimum of 85%. Unfortunately, the problem with slots being tight holds true for the entire state of Pennsylvania, not just Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Despite the complaints, it is the overall consensus that Wind Creek Bethlehem is worth a trip for visiting, gambling, good food and entertainment.