When you think of casino gambling in the United States, a few states come to mind quickly. Nevada, home of Las Vegas and Reno, has long been known as the Gamblers’ Reward because of the thousands of slot machines and table games it offers. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi are also popular destinations for those who enjoy rolling the dice or spinning the roulette wheel. However, did you know that there are numerous other states with legal casino gambling? Here are ten surprising places where you can try your luck at the tables or slots.
Tennessee
If you love country music and mountain vistas, you now have another reason to visit Tennessee: casino gambling. The Volunteer State surprised many people when it passed a constitutional amendment authorizing sports betting in 2019. Two years later, lawmakers expanded gambling further, allowing full-fledged casino resorts in certain areas of the state.
The first of these mega-resorts opened its doors in West Tennessee in 2023. Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will soon be home to several casinos as well. Whether you’re playing the penny slots or risking it all at the blackjack table, Tennessee offers something for everyone in its vibrant casino scene.
So pack your bags, put on your Dolly Parton album, and head to Tennessee for a gambling vacation you won’t forget!
South Dakota
Who needs the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip when you have the Black Hills of South Dakota? This beautiful state is home to several casino towns that will tickle the gambler in you. Deadwood, named after the gold rush town in Wisconsin (yes, really), is perhaps the most famous of these. After the gold market crashed in the Badger State, hopeful prospectors started heading west in search of riches. Many ended up in the Black Hills, where they struck it rich once again.
Today, Deadwood is known for a different kind of strike – the kind that happens when the roulette ball hits your number or the dealer goes bust on blackjack. Visitors can enjoy dozens of casinos in this historic town, many of which are housed in beautifully restored old buildings.
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort Sportsbook Preview - New Sports Betting SiteBut Deadwood isn’t the only game in town. Nearby communities like Spearfish and Rapid City also offer plenty of opportunities to roll the dice or spin the slot machines. So next time you’re hankering for some casino action, consider taking a trip to South Dakota. You might just hit the jackpot – literally or metaphorically.
Michigan
When you think of the Great Lakes State, you might picture stunning vistas of lakeshores and forests. But did you know that Michigan is also a hotspot for casino gambling? Detroit, in particular, is home to some of the biggest and baddest casinos in the Midwest. From MGM Grand to Greektown Casino-Hotel, the Motor City has something for every type of gambler.
But Michigan’s casino scene isn’t just limited to the metropolitan area. Smaller towns like Battle Creek and Mount Pleasant also boast their fair share of slot machines and poker tables. And thanks to a recent change in the law, online gambling is now legal throughout the state. So whether you prefer the brick-and-mortar experience or the convenience of playing from home, Michigan has got you covered.
Cincinnati
Ok, so Cincinnati itself doesn’t count as a state. But did you know that this Queen City is surrounded by states with great casinos? Just across the river from Cincinnati, elite casino hotels in Lawrenceburg and Aurora, Indiana, await those seeking Lady Luck’s favor. If you’re willing to make the short drive down I-71, you’ll find even more gaming options in Covington and Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
From slot machines to live poker tournaments, the tri-state area around Cincinnati has something for everyone. And let’s not forget about Ohio’s growing casino industry. Communities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Youngstown all have their own shiny casinos, enticing gamblers with promises of big wins and even bigger buffets.
So if you’re ever in the mood for a little risk-taking, rest assured that you don’t have to travel to Atlantic City or Vegas to get your fix. Just head to Cincinnati – the unofficial casino capital of the Midwest.
best casino online canadaColorado
It’s the Centennial State, the Home of the Rockies, and a lot of other things these days. Colorado has always been a destination for adventure seekers, whether they’re hitting the slopes in Winter Park or rafting through the Royal Gorge. Now, however, there’s another reason to visit: casino gambling.
Thanks to a change in the law a few years back, several casino resorts have sprung up alongside the state’s many interstates. Whether you’re driving from California to Ohio or just passing through Denver, there’s bound to be a casino within easy reach. Test your luck at blackjack or see if that jackpot slot machine is calling your name. Who knows? Maybe your stay in the Mile High City will be higher than you anticipated.
Louisiana
There’s no shortage of Creole cuisine, jazz music, or casino gambling in the Pelican State. Louisiana has always had a laissez-faire attitude toward vice, and that includes gambling. Riverboats used to be the primary vehicle for casino action along the Mighty Mississippi, but those days are long gone. These days, many of these floating casinos have found firmer footing on land, offering all your favorite games without the risk of capsizing.
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport are just a few of the cities where you can test your luck at the craps table or feel the adrenaline rush while pulling the lever of the slot machines. So next time you’re bayou bound, remember that there’s more to this state than beignets and Bourré. You might just walk away with enough loot to buy your own private island (or at least a really fancy hat).
Hampton Roads
We couldn’t write an article on surprising locations for casino gambling without mentioning Hampton Roads. Nestled between Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News lies a slew of entertainment options, including some world-class casinos. If you’re looking to play the penny slots or sit down for a hand of Texas Hold ‘Em, look no further than the seven cities of Hampton Roads.
Phillips Ocean Casino Resort and Rosie’s Gaming and Wagering recently joined the already thriving casino scene in the region. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just passing through on I-64, you’ll find plenty of places to drop a few bucks and maybe win big. Who knows? Maybe your visit to Hampton Roads will be more profitable than your last trip to the outlets.
Real Slots Hacks that Will Help You Win Big in 2023North Carolina
Tar Heels love to gamble, even though their basketball team hasn’t won a national championship since 1982 (sorry, had to). Fortunately, they don’t have to drive all the way to Atlanta or Charleston to scratch their casino itch. Several Native American casinos dot the landscape of North Carolina, from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in the western mountains to the Wisdom Of The Wind Casino in Edenton on the coast.
Whether you’re a high roller or a casual player, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. Slot machines, table games, bingo – they’ve got it all. And let’s not forget about the restaurants and live entertainment that round out the casino experience. So next time you’re in the Old North State, why not try your luck at beating the house? Just hope your luck in roulette is better than your team’s free throw percentage.
Boston/Massachusetts
Plum Island. Plymouth Rock. Fenway Park. These are the things that come to mind when you think of Massachusetts and its largest city. But did you know that the Bay State is also home to some top-notch casinos? Whether you’re a diehard Red Sox fan or just looking for somewhere new to drop a few bills into a slot machine, Massachusetts has got you covered.
From Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville to MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, you can find plenty of places to try your luck in Beantown and beyond. And let’s not forget about the mini-casinos that have popped up like daisies in the Commonwealth in recent years. Who says you need the glitz and glamour of Vegas to win big? Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the liquor store (for Plainville, anyway).
Atlanta
Hotlanta. The ATL. Whatever you call it, Atlanta is a hub of activity…and gambling. While hardline anti-gambling laws still exist in some southern states (cough cough Alabama), Georgia has embraced the green with open arms in recent years. Several casino cruises leave from the port of Savannah, giving passengers a chance to test their luck at sea.
If you’re too busy getting stuck in traffic on 285 to make the trek to the Coast, never fear – there are plenty of casino options right in the A. The biggest and brightest of these is Global Atlantis Casino, a veritable Vegas in the heart of Georgia. With over 1,500 hotel rooms and enough slot machines to make your head spin, you could pretty much spend an entire weekend here without ever leaving the building (which some might argue is a good thing if you’re stuck in traffic on 285).
From karaoke bars to high-limit poker rooms, Global Atlantis has got it all. And let’s not forget about the live entertainment – from magic shows to concerts by has-been ’80s one-hit wonders, there’s something for everyone on the casino’s stage. So next time you’re stuck in the ATL, why not try your luck at winning big? Who knows? Maybe you’ll strike it rich and finally be able to afford that Braves season ticket you’ve had your eye on.
Gambling Destinations Every Thrill-Seeker Must Visit OnceAs you can see, there are plenty of surprises when it comes to states with legal casino gambling. From Tennessee to Massachusetts, you no longer have to plan a trip across the country to try your luck at the tables or slots. Whether you’re a serious gambler or simply looking for a fun vacation destination, these unexpected casino spots are definitely worth a roll of the dice. So pack your luckiest underwear and hit the road – who knows what fortunes await you in these hidden hotspots?
