When most people think of gambling, Las Vegas is the first thing that comes to mind. Las Vegas calls itself the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and it’s hard to imagine the city won’t always reign supreme when it comes to casino destinations. 

Even so, Las Vegas is hardly the only destination for gamblers. It’s not convenient for everyone to get to the southwestern United States. Fortunately, you don’t have to. While Vegas may be the premier spot for those wanting to get in on the action, there are plenty of other cities vying for second place in the gambling world. 

Hundreds of thousands of people will visit Las Vegas on an annual basis in order to gamble but plenty of other cities offer their own variety of phenomenal casinos and sportsbooks. What are some of the best non-Vegas destinations for gamblers in the world? 

Atlantic City

In the not-so-distant past, Atlantic City was the east coast’s answer to Las Vegas. The city may not be as bustling as it was during its heyday, but the coastal New Jersey town does seem to be making a comeback of sorts. For example, Revel, which closed in 2014 for a second time due to bankruptcy, reopened in the summer of 2018 under a different name, the Ocean Resort Casino. 

Those that visit Atlantic City can still enjoy the world-renowned boardwalk, which includes a multitude of dining and shopping options. The city is still home to Caesars Atlantic City, the Borgata Hotel Casino and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City in addition to the aforementioned Ocean Resort. 

Reno

It may sound strange now, but Las Vegas’ neighbor to the north was once the premier destination in Nevada when it came to gambling. Times have changed, of course, but Reno is still home to a number of excellent casino resorts. Harrah’s Entertainment actually originated in Reno. The city is an awesome spot for those that want to enjoy the fun of gambling without the crazy crowds or fanfare associated with Vegas.

Thanks to the friendly climate, Reno is a year-round destination that calls itself “The Biggest Little City in the World” for a reason. The city’s casinos offer slots, poker, blackjack and just about every other table game you can think of. Reno is a cheaper, and just as fun, alternative to Las Vegas. 

Biloxi

Mississippi isn’t typically at the top of the list of potential destinations for those looking to gamble, but maybe it should be. The city is home to a whopping eight different casino resorts, each of which comes with unique offerings. Most resorts also come with golf courses, fancy restaurants, entertainment venues and, of course, buffets. 

Beau Rivage and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are the most well-known operators in Biloxi, but you can find just about anything you’d want from a gambling perspective in this would-be sleepy southern town. As is the case with Reno, Biloxi’s resorts are quite a bit more affordable than the ones you can find in a place like Vegas. 

Saratoga Springs

New York is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the U.S. for gamblers. With the Supreme Court’s decision to effectively decriminalize sports betting, we can expect even more growth once New York adopts sports betting regulation. Still, there are plenty of appealing casino resorts available to those wanting to get in on the action. Saratoga Springs is at or near the top of the list. 

The casino in Saratoga Springs has been around for decades, but it has undergone recent renovations in an attempt to keep up with the times. The town has always been a popular vacation destination for the wealthy, but it has become more family-friendly in recent years. Saratoga Springs is a quick drive from places like Lake Placid, and it offers a pleasant gambling experience unlike any others in the region. 

Lake Tahoe

Few associate Lake Tahoe with gambling. It’s one of the more beautiful vacation spots in the western United States, straddling the California-Nevada border. Gambling can’t be found on the California side quite yet, but you can get plenty of gaming action on the Nevada half. While you may want to spend some time outside by the lake, you can also enjoy some gambling action by stepping inside. 

Lake Tahoe is home to its own Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, as well as lesser-known spots like the Crystal Bay Casino and the Lakeside Inn and Casino. The Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino is one of the nicest resorts in town, and it offers a perfect blend of scenic views and casino games that can appeal to the whole family.