These States Follow Nevada In The Number Of Casinos

When one mentions casinos or gambling in the United States, most people probably first think of Las Vegas, Nevada. With its blaring neon lights, the colorfully costumed showgirls that traipse along the Strip, and the revelers that flock to casinos and nightclubs year-round for a night or two of unmitigated indulgence, the city is an icon of hedonistic fun and debauchery. It's not just Las Vegas, though. The entire state of Nevada has hundreds of casinos. However, this isn't the only state where partiers can get their gambling groove on in the U.S.

In the U.S., federal law permits Native American tribes to operate gambling facilities on tribal land through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. However, things are changing as state governments realize the massive potential for tax revenue these establishments can generate. For example, sports gambling, or sports betting, is starting to catch on in many states such as Georgia, Kentucky, Vermont, Kansas, Missouri, and Maine. However, these certainly aren't the first states to allow gambling operations within their borders. There are several states across the lower 48 where you can try your hand at poker, take a chance at the roulette table, or even score big on slots. You just need to know where to find them.

It's no surprise that the home of some of the world's best Mardi Gras celebrations and the birthplace of American Poker is also one of the best places to test your luck and do a bit of gambling. In fact, there are many places where you can throw some dice, bluff to win, and bet against the slots in the Bayou State. Today, the casino scene is changing rapidly to accommodate a more liberal view of gambling in Louisiana, with the famous riverboat casinos now being allowed to move off the river and remain permanently docked, with some entirely moving to dry land.

Today, you can visit the famous Harrah's New Orleans casino on Canal Street, the most hustling and bustling street in the city right next to the French Quarter. There are also casinos throughout the state that you can visit, including the Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, the perfect place to visit for die-hard Jimmy Buffet fans. To see the largest casino resort in the state, head to the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, which has table games and local specialties like Cajun Stud.

The Wild West of California and gambling go together like poker chips and aces. Gambling in California has existed since the Gold Rush and persisted through the establishment of its statehood and into the modern day. Poker rooms, casinos, and horse tracks are woven into the fabric of this coastal colossus. However, California isn't all that different from other high-stakes states on this list. The gambling industry is highly regulated and a major source of state tax revenue.

As with many states in the U.S., gambling has found a substantial backdoor through tribal land, allowing Native Americans to own and operate casinos throughout the state. However, the state has control over the games played. For example, craps isn't played with dice here, it's played with cards.

If you make your way to the West Coast, you can find some of the best casinos in Temecula, namely the Pechanga Resort and Casino. Head up to Cabazon, just northwest of Palm Springs, and you'll find the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa. There is also a sprawling outlet mall here where you can spend your winnings with haste. If you prefer the cooler temperatures of Northern California, head to Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, just outside of the state capital of Sacramento.