Whether they’re enormous resorts with luxury suites and views of the Strip or roadside attractions adorned with stuffed animals, dusty dioramas and slot machines, casinos are a fascinating part of US culture. While the precise origin of gambling is unknown, it’s widely believed that casino games have been around for thousands of years. The first known gambling establishments were in ancient Mesopotamia and Rome, followed by the medieval Moorish city of Granada. The modern casino is often thought to have originated in the United States, with Las Vegas leading the way, but it’s actually a fairly international affair.
In the US, each state and sovereign Tribal gaming agency has enacted its own laws to govern how casinos operate. This has created a patchwork of regulations, with each locale determining how best to protect players and the public while fostering continued growth in the industry.
The New York City Casino Battle Begins
It’s not every day you hear about a big casino opening in a major urban center, but this is the case with Resorts World New York, the largest in the region and the only one located inside New York City proper. The new facility, which opened in 2024, covers 175,000 square feet across two floors and offers a wide range of casino games, including 5,500 slot machines.
Guests can dine at six restaurants, including the new B-Prime Steakhouse, and there’s even a full-service spa, plus concert space and 22 meeting rooms. But it’s the gaming that will keep many visitors coming back: the main casino floor boasts more than 2,500 slots and 175 table games, while a 50,000-square-foot poker room is the crown jewel.