In most of the United States, casino gambling either is prohibited completely or is available only on remote Native American reservations. The single greatest exception to this pattern in the state of Nevada, which has made nearly all forms of gambling permissible in venues both urban and rural, large and small. From gas stations to convenience stores to the local supermarket, slot machines abound.
Table games are also widely available; even small towns have a local casino or two. Without a doubt, though, the two great Meccas of gambling venues in Nevada are the two largest cities: Las Vegas and Reno. Las Vegas is located almost at the southern tip of the state, about equidistant from both the California and Arizona borders, and is famous for its themed casinos including such world-famous gambling spots as Circus Circus, Caesar's Palace, Treasure Island, and the Venetian.
Because of these themed casinos, there is a lot more to do in Las Vegas than just gamble. Take a gondola ride complete with a singing gondolier in the Venetian, shop the luxury mall at Caesar's Palace, and watch a live volcano erupt at the Mirage. Perhaps the most remarkable public event occurs once per hour or more often at the Bellagio Hotel, where hundreds of waterspouts dance in time to music.
Nevada vacation rentals are available in both Las Vegas and Reno, a city further north which also offers easy access to skiing at nearby Lake Tahoe.