When it comes to gambling, most people’s minds will head straight to the Las Vegas strip where renowned casinos such as Wynn Las Vegas Casino, Palazzo Resort Casino, Casino at the Venetian, and Casino at the Bellagio have their doors open to visitors 24/7. While Las Vegas remains the go-to gambling destination for some, more and more people are beginning to seek out something a little bit different.
Although the casino and entertainment industry – and every other industry for that matter – have taken a back seat during the Covid-19 pandemic, the world of gambling has still found a way to thrive thanks to the growth of online casinos fuelling the casino boom across the world and in particular North America.
However, as society begins to emerge back into a state of normality following a year of trial and turmoil, now is the perfect time for the casino-loving folk to get excited once more about their next slot-filled venture.
But, why not, for your next trip, consider somewhere outside the deserts of Nevada? Jeremy Jackson from Dogslots gave us this sage advice: “Don’t always go for the obvious casino destination, there can be a bit too much going on for those who want a relaxing break combined with a flutter or two. There are a wealth of fantastic places across the States that enable you to immerse yourself in the best that casino entertainment can offer while allowing you to travel far and wide, discovering a little more of the continent as you go.”
With this in mind we’ve shortlisted five of the most underrated casino and entertainment cities in North America that might just take your fancy.
Deadwood, South Dakota
For a state with less than 10 cities in it that allow gambling, South Dakota boasts one of the best mountain gambling spots in the US: the city of Deadwood. After Nevada and Atlantic City, Deadwood was actually the third location in all of America to legalise gambling. As most of the casinos in this state can be found in Deadwood, it’s the epicentre of the South Dakotan gambling industry. Over 20 casinos reside in this city, including the iconic Bullock Hotel Casino and the Buffalo Bodega Gambling Complex, totalling around 3500 slot machines and 40 table games. With its picturesque setting, intimate casinos, and a range of great amenities and activities, Deadwood offers its guests a completely different, but equally incredible, experience to that of Las Vegas.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Moving down south to the state of Mississippi, the sea-side city of Biloxi is sure to impress with its ten first-class casinos including Palace Casino, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, Beau Rivage Resort, and the famous Hard Rock Casino with 500 video slots, 800 traditional machines and dozens of classic table games. The history of gambling in Mississippi revolved around water for quite some time as various laws restricted the activity to riverboat and waterfront casinos. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, laws were amended to allow casinos to be built further inland away from the water. The city of Biloxi, however, remains a fabulous waterfront destination with giant luxury hotels and casino resorts, spas, shopping complexes, many restaurants, and, of course, the fine sandy beaches well within walking distance.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Once known as the gambling capital of the US in the 19th century, New Orleans has been stealing the hearts of many a visitor for years. Although there are only five established casinos in Louisiana’s best and biggest gambling city, each of them are sure to impress. Harrah’s New Orleans Casino can be found only a short walk away from the vibrant French Quarter and offers a huge gambling floor with every game you could want, whilst the fascinating Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots is a great alternative for those in love with the thrill of a live bet. This particular casino destination is the third oldest racetrack in the US and offers, almost exclusively, slot machines–over 600 of them we might add–with panoramic views and exquisite dining options. Aside from its esteemed gambling reputation, New Orleans is a city full to the brim with history and culture so a trip here would be so much more than just casinos.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Iowa is probably one of the last places to spring to mind when you think about gambling, but don’t underestimate this Midwestern state of cornfields and rolling plains. Located right on the border of Iowa and Nebraska is the small, but very beautiful, city of Council Bluffs with a population of only just over 62,000 people, but one hell of a reputation for gambling. In the midst of this tiny city, you will find three of the best casinos in all of Iowa, including Harrah’s Council Bluffs and Horseshoe Casino, that boast just under 100 table games, around 3900 slot machines, 18 poker tables, and an impressive greyhound racing track. Each casino also offers its visitors a wide range of restaurants, hotels, and other fun activities including a golf course.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Another beautiful mountain gambling spot can be found up in the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and although this is technically a region rather than a city, it is unmissable, nonetheless. While this state’s largest city, Philadelphia, often draws the attention of casino lovers, the Poconos have been an incredibly popular recreational destination for years offering their guests activities from camping, to skiing, to resorts, to an automobile race track and, of course, some fabulous casinos. In Plains Township lies Mohegan Sun Pocono, a racino featuring 2300 slots, live tables for blackjack, roulette and poker, a sportsbook, and a kilometre long racetrack. Slightly further south in Mount Pocono is the Mount Airy Casino Resort with 62,000 sq ft of slot machines and table games as well as a sportsbook, several dining options, nightlife venues, and a golf course. The Poconos are the perfect location for those wanting to enjoy the ambience of nature alongside the thrill of a casino.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
