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ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

Atlantic City — or, as it is sometimes called, A.C. — houses the second-largest casino destination in the U.S., though that is only part of its identity.

“We are actually a beach destination with gaming,” said Heather Colache, tourism account manager for the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have nine casinos — all of them are surrounded by water. Three are on the marina, and the rest are on the boardwalk looking at the Atlantic Ocean. That’s really what makes us stand out.”

These casinos include Bally’s, Caesars, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tropicana, Harrah’s Resort, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Resorts Casino Hotel, Golden Nugget and Ocean Casino Resort. Whether travelers are looking to take a seat at a high-stakes poker table or hoping to hit it big on the penny slots, these casinos are sure to provide the gaming experience they’re craving. Plus, overall, they host a calendar full of music and comedy shows and are home to spas, bars and a variety of restaurants. A few include Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which serves seafood, burgers, ribs and more, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, and Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill, a

Outside the casinos, plenty of activities can be found in A.C., especially along the well-known Atlantic City Boardwalk. For example, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall hosts concerts, car racing, rodeos, hockey and much more.

“There’s always something to do,” Colache said. “You have seven miles of boardwalk, which has unique stores, attractions, restaurants, beach bars. We have an open-container law, so you can stroll the boardwalk with cocktails. Who doesn’t want to do that in the summertime along

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SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA

In northwest Louisiana, Shreveport-Bossier City has made a name for itself in the gaming world as a must-experience destination. Unlike similar locations, however, this region is far from hectic. In fact, one of its selling points is it offers quite the chill, relaxed atmosphere.

“You’ve got all the neon lights and the big casinos right in the downtown area but still more of that laid-back vibe,” said Jerrica Bennett, public relations/digital content manager for the ShreveportBossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. “You’re not rushing to get somewhere, you don’t have to make a bunch of reservations in order to

BY KYLE JOHNSON, COURTESY VISIT SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER

get into restaurants or anything like that, and so you can still kind of plan your trip as you go. I think it’s kind of that cross between the fun and excitement of gaming and the sort of laid-back style of our city.”

As far as casinos, the area boasts Margaritaville Resort Casino, Horseshoe, Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino, and Bally’s. Combined, these venues offer everything from live horse racing, sports betting and classic games to bars, lounges, eateries, spas and entertainment.

“Our hotels are constantly bringing in really great attractions and shows,” Bennett said. “It’s a good mix. They have live music venues, and Sam’s Town and Bally’s have some of these smaller live music venues that will play weekly.”

While in the area, groups can find much more than gaming. The region is home to the Shreveport Aquarium and a science museum called the Sci-Port Discovery Center, as well as a great arts scene and an eclectic combination of restaurants.

“We have Ghost Ramen, a late-night ramen shop that younger people would enjoy going to that only opens at 10 p.m. and stays open till like 6 a.m.,” Bennett said. “That’s one of my favorite places to go when I find myself out in the downtown area around that time.”

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