Introduction
The United States is known for its vibrant casino culture and is home to some of the best and most famous casinos in the world. However, you may wonder how many casinos are in the United States. The American Gaming Association estimates that there are around 1,000 commercial and tribal casinos operating in the US. In this article, we will explore the top casino hotspots, casinos by region, and unique casinos to visit in the United States. We will also delve into the history of gambling in the United States and discuss the current state of the casino industry.
From Atlantic City to Las Vegas: Exploring The Top Casino Hotspots In The United States
When you think of casinos in the US, the first two cities that come to mind are most likely Atlantic City and Las Vegas. These two cities are the most well-known casino destinations in the US.
Atlantic City, located in New Jersey, is home to around nine casinos. It was once the second-largest gambling city in the US, after Las Vegas. While it may not be as grand or flashy as Sin City, Atlantic City still offers plenty of casino options to visitors.
Las Vegas, located in Nevada, is a mecca for gambling enthusiasts. In 2019, Las Vegas had around 135 casinos. Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas is home to some of the largest and most opulent casinos in the world, like the Bellagio, the Venetian, and the Wynn.
Other popular casino hotspots around the country include:
- Reno, Nevada
- Tunica, Mississippi
- Black Hawk, Colorado
- Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana
- Chicago, Illinois
What makes each location unique varies. For example, Reno is known for its smaller, more affordable casinos, while Tunica is located on the Mississippi River and offers visitors a Southern-style gaming experience. Black Hawk, Colorado, is a small town that is home to a large number of casinos, while Shreveport-Bossier is known for its riverboat casinos. Chicago is home to a mix of riverboat and land-based casinos.
By The Numbers: A Comprehensive List Of The Best Casinos In The United States
To come up with a comprehensive list of the best casinos in the United States, we used factors like the number of slot machines and table games, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 casinos in the United States:
- Wynn Las Vegas
- Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
- Bellagio Las Vegas
- Aria Resort and Casino
- Palazzo Las Vegas
- Wynn Macau
- Sands Macao
- Grand Lisboa
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
- Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut
These casinos stand out for their luxury, opulence, and variety of offerings. For example, the Wynn Las Vegas offers an 18-hole golf course, while the Bellagio Las Vegas is home to the famous Fountains of Bellagio water show.
A Map Through The Gambling States: How Many Casinos Are In Each Region Of the U.S.?
The United States is divided into several regions, and each region has its own unique blend of casinos and gambling offerings.
The East Coast has the most casino options, with 441 commercial or tribal casinos. The Midwest has 116 casinos, the South has 272 casinos, and the West has 181 casinos.
Here is a breakdown of how many casinos are in each region, along with some notable casinos in each area:
- East Coast: 441 casinos
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
- Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
- Harrah’s Atlantic City, NJ
- Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh, PA
- Midwest: 116 casinos
- Ameristar Casino Hotel, Council Bluffs, IA
- Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf, IA
- Horseshoe Hammond Casino, Hammond, IN
- Grand Casino Hinckley, Hinckley, MN
- South: 272 casinos
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, MS
- Golden Nugget Casino, Lake Charles, LA
- Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, LA
- Cherokee Casino, West Siloam Springs, OK
- West: 181 casinos
- Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa, Las Vegas, NV
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, NV
- Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln, CA
- The Silverton Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Beyond The Neon: Unique Casinos To Visit In The United States
While the big-name casinos in Las Vegas and other well-known destinations are major draws for tourists and locals alike, the United States has plenty of unique casinos to explore.
One of these is the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. It boasts six casinos, over 300,000 square feet of gaming space, and a huge arcade. The resort also features a large variety of restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a golf course.
Another unique casino to visit is the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. In addition to its casino offerings, the resort features a luxurious spa, multiple restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife scene. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it a popular destination for beachgoers as well.
The WinStar World Casino & Resort in Oklahoma is another unconventional casino that is worth a visit. It is the largest casino in the US, with over 600,000 square feet of gaming space. The resort also features multiple hotels, a golf course, a spa, and a shopping center.
The History of Gambling in the United States and the Rise of Casino Culture Today
Gambling has a long and complex history in the United States. The first gambling laws were passed in the 1600s, but over the years, gambling has been legalized and then criminalized multiple times. Today, gambling is legal in some form in 48 out of 50 states, with Utah and Hawaii being the exceptions.
The rise of casino culture can be traced back to the 1940s and 1950s, when organized crime figures like Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky began investing in casinos in Las Vegas. The 1963 movie “The Strip” and TV show “Vega$” made Las Vegas a popular destination for tourists as well.
Over time, casinos have evolved to become more than just gambling destinations. They now offer a wide range of entertainment options, like concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events. Many also feature upscale restaurants, spas, and luxury accommodations.
Conclusion
There are around 1,000 commercial and tribal casinos operating in the US, making it a haven for gambling enthusiasts. The well-known casino hotspots like Las Vegas and Atlantic City offer visitors a luxurious and opulent casino experience, while the lesser-known casinos throughout the country offer something unique and different.
The US casino industry shows no sign of slowing down, with new casinos opening up every year, and more states legalizing gambling. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see what new and exciting casino destinations emerge.