In the United States the word gambling is synonymous with Vegas. Gamblers from all over the globe are drawn by the splash and pizazz of Las Vegas, Nevada. However, while the concentrated allure of The Strip is undeniable, the United States is an expansive country and the bright lights of some of the nation's finest casinos are found thousands of miles away from this glittering desert.

From the simultaneous clinking of coins through thousands of slot machines to the intensity of a room filled with poker players, America's casinos are grand, flashy, opulent and gigantic. The appeal of these casinos isn't just in the dice-rolling opportunities, but in the all-inclusive, luxurious experience of an American casino. In addition to enormous gaming floors, these facilities feature lavish hotels, fine dining, notable entertainers and dreamlike perks.

Casinos and Hotels along the Mississippi River1

The best of America's casinos are big and bright; ready for business 24 hours a day. The following are some of the most tempting facilities, outside of Nevada, for the high rollers, penny pinchers, seasoned vets and fresh-faced players alike.

FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO

Considered one of the largest casinos in the world, this hot-spot has over 380 racing games, more than 7,000 slots and a bingo hall that accommodates 3,200 people. That's just the beginning.

Established in 1986 as a bingo hall in Ledyard, Connecticut, the Foxwoods Resort Casino has blackjack, slots, video poker, roulette, craps and a poker room where players can join a game of Seven-Card Stud, Texas Hold'em or Omaha Hold'em.

More than just a gambling facility, this resort offers an impressive list of amenities. From three hotels to multiple shopping complexes to daily live shows, this is a one-stop entertainment destination. A dream for under-aged tag-alongs, this resort offers a two-story arcade with over 140 video and redemption games.

When the time comes to breathe outdoor air, the facility's Lake of Isles golf course offers 36 holes surrounded by a 90 acre (36.4 ha) lake with a patio-equipped clubhouse just off the 18th green and a golf academy for those who could use a little assistance with their swing. After a few hard days of shopping, golfing and gambling there's a salon and spa to rejuvenate one's body and get ready for another round.

BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA

This enormous 43-story hotel features over 2,000 rooms, 13 restaurants, a spa and last but not least, a fully-stocked gambling floor. Opened in 2003 to lure the high-rollers back to Atlantic City, New Jersey, the luxurious Borgata boasts the city's largest poker room. A definite must for those who can call a bluff, this poker room features daily poker tournaments and high-intensity multi-day events. Considered one of the highlights of the Borgata, these poker playing facilities draw famous poker faces from across the country.

The Borgata, which means little village in Italian, really is a village. Not only does this resort offer world-class gambling, there are also boutiques and shops, a comedy club, concert venues, nightclubs and so much more.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

Towering over Biloxi, Mississippi, the Beau Rivage is the state's tallest building and one of the most enticing casinos in the country. Given a French name that means beautiful shore, this waterfront facility is named after the picturesque Gulf Coast it peers over.

	Vibrant Atlantic City Casinos2

Originally opened in 1999, the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina caused a one-year closure of the hotel and casino, which was severely damaged by the storm. The facility re-opened in 2006, on the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The Beau Rivage casino boasts more than 2,100 slot machines, a multi-table poker room, table games, a high-limit lounge and players club. Owned and operated by MGM Mirage, this casino brings a little Vegas to Mississippi providing perks like an around the clock concierge.

From golfing to shopping to hitting the clubs, the Beau Rivage has it all. Equipped with a superb live show venue, this casino features a cirque-style performance with Russian dancers and Chinese acrobats. For those inclined to spend time with nature, the Fallen Oak Golf Club is an 18 hole, 72 par course with century-old oak trees, rolling hills, streams and marshland. For a mellow activity option, guests can indulge at the Beau River Salon and Spa, which offers lavish treatments including caviar facials and eyelash extensions.

PALA CASINO SPA RESORT

With 2,300 slots, 87 table games and much more, this casino in Escondido, California offers some of the most extensive entertainment options from coast to coast. An impressive selection of slots, including Wheel of Fortune, Coyote Moon and Cash Express, ensure that slot lovers can play old favorites, as well as the newest games. For those interested in playing with a little extra incentive, the Pala Casino's high limit room has slot machines and table games featuring baccarat and blackjack.

This facility, which benefits from views of the beautiful Palomar Mountains, features eight restaurants, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, outdoor and indoor concert facilities, meeting venues and over 500 rooms. For couples needing a romantic moment together, the on-site spa offers a couples spa suite, as well as a complete salon, numerous treatment rooms and the option of taking spa treatments to the outdoors.

PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

Situated on the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Temecula, California, this resort and casino offers an enticing list of amenities including a spa, Cabaret lounge, Broadway-style performances and the driving force of this entire resort – superb gambling.

The largest casino in California, the Pechanga Resort and Casino offers a gaming floor with over 2,000 slot and video poker machines, 87 table games and a high limit gaming room with a separate lounge. For those who crave poker 24 hours a day, there are dealers ready to roll day and night at the 54-table Pechanga Poker Room.

After the poker game wraps up, players can crawl into one of Pechanga's 522 guest rooms and utilize the hotel's 24-hour room service. Other dining options include Paisano's Italian Restaurant, the Seafood Grotto and Pechanga Cafe.

COMMERCE CASINO

Boasting the largest card room world over, this casino in Los Angeles, California specializes in the ever-popular game of poker. Omaha Hi-Low Split, Texas Hold'em and Seven-Card Stud are played on Commerce's 240 tables. A poker player's dream, this facility hosts a variety of important tournaments including the Los Angeles Poker Classic and the California State Poker Championship. The casino's forecourt features the World Poker Tour Walk of Fame, which recognizes celebrities in the poker world such as James Garner and Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson.

For those not interested in hold'em or fold'em, the casino also offers 21st Century Baccarat, No Bust Blackjack and Super Pan Nine.

The Commerce complex also features the 200-room Crowne Plaza Hotel, equipped with a spa, dining facilities, pool, salon and shops.

SENECA NIAGARA CASINO & HOTEL

Built to compete with Canada's Casino Niagara, this impressive facility features 99 gaming tables and over 4,000 slot machines in Niagara Falls, New York. From penny machines to the high limit slots section this gaming area is a must see for seasoned slot players. Equally as enticing, table games include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride, Spanish 21 and more. And for those looking for a good bingo-like game, this casino features Keno with TVs throughout the gaming floor that post the winning numbers.

Towering 26 stories above the falls, this hotel is the largest in New York state outside of Manhattan. Guests can choose from 486 deluxe rooms, 86 corner suites or 22 one-bedroom suites. There's also an on-site spa for guests in need of pampering. When the gambling day is done, this facility features numerous restaurants including the Asian-inspired Koi restaurant and the Italian-bistro, La Cascata.

CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY

This casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey has it all: slots, table games, video poker, Keno and poker. Amongst the 3,000 slot machines are favorites such as Monopoly Money Grab and Top Gun Progressive Slots. Caesar's complex is focused around the Glory of Rome – the largest riverboat casino in North America. The four-story boat doesn't leave the dock, but welcomes guests from around the world eager to bet on races, take chances with Keno or play a round of poker.

A one-stop-shop, this facility also offers dining options, such as the Continental and Trinity Pub & Carvery. Other amenities include the Qua Baths and Spa, Atlantic City Country Club Golf and retail shops at the Pier.

SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT

Owned by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, offers all the gambling must-haves, as well as a fully-equipped facility with accommodations, restaurants and entertainment galore.

From roulette bets to kissing the dice for a game of craps, guests at the Soaring Eagle can enjoy over 4,000 slots, 70 tables and modern-day bingo. Seven days a week customers can test their poker faces with a variety of games including Texas Hold'em, Pineapple, Crazy Pineapple, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud in the 24-hour poker room.

When the need to eat interrupts the groove of the game, there are a number of restaurants including the upscale Waterlily Restaurant or the full-service Firefly Buffet. This complex also features a 514-room hotel, spa, arcade and daycare centre.

Entrance to Soaring Eagle Casino in Michigan3

GOLD STRIKE CASINO

Strike it rich at this casino in Robinsonville, Mississippi, located along the state's namesake river. Gold Strike appeals to gamblers with over 40 game tables, 1,400 slot machines, 10 poker tables, a high-limit gaming room and players club. From penny bets to $100 wagers, the slot area features games like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Double Diamond and Blazing 7's. Put on a poker face in the smoke-free poker room where Texas Hold'em and Omaha High-Low Split are among the many games played. Gold Strike also extends a helping hand and offers free poker lessons to those tentative newbies interested in this booming game.

Guests at the Gold Strike can spend the night in a guest room or suite, dine at the Chicago Steakhouse or Atrium Café, enjoy an evening concert or hit the on-site clubs for a late night cocktail.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Mississippi Shoreline; MS, USA
2. Wikipedia; Caesar's Atlantic CIty and Trump Plaza; Atlantic City, NJ, USA
3. Soaring Eagle Casino; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA