Bally’s has launched a $26 million casino in Marquette, Iowa, officially shifting gaming from the iconic Mississippi Riverboat, after more than 30 years, to a modern land-based facility.

The new property, known as Bally’s Marquette, opened its doors on March 13 after a redevelopment project that transitioned the longtime Casino Queen Marquette riverboat casino into a permanent land-based destination. The modern facility spans roughly 31,000 square feet and represents a significant investment to revitalize gaming and tourism in northeastern Iowa.

Riverboat casinos were once a defining feature of Iowa’s local gambling industry, but many operators have shifted to land-based venues to improve accessibility and amenities. The previous riverboat casino first opened in the mid-1990s and changed ownership and branding multiple times before joining Bally’s corporate portfolio. Bally’s ultimately decided to replace the aging vessel with a new land-based complex capable of supporting modern gaming features and additional entertainment options.

New Facility Brings Expanded Gaming and Local Jobs

The newly constructed Bally’s Marquette offers a range of casino gaming and entertainment options. The gaming floor features over 400 slots, electronic table games, live dealer blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and a sportsbook.

Beyond gaming, the casino features several new dining and beverage venues designed to create a full entertainment experience. Among them are the 1994 Sports Bar, which pays tribute to the year the original riverboat casino opened; the Sidecar Bar lounge; Riverside Grill; and Benchfront Coffee.

The previous riverboat casino was among Iowa’s smallest, generating $19.9 million in gross gaming revenue in 2025, about 1.2% of the state’s market. Bally’s aims to boost visitors and competitiveness with the new facility.

Offshore Online Casino Sites Still Draw U.S. Players

While land-based casinos continue to evolve, many gamblers today are increasingly drawn to online gaming options, such as the sites reviewed at Casinos18.com. In states where full online casino gambling is not yet legal, players often turn to offshore gambling websites that operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight.

Offshore platforms typically offer a wide range of games, including digital slot machines, live dealer tables, poker rooms, and sports betting. Since these sites are based in foreign jurisdictions, they can accept U.S. customers, even in states that prohibit online gambling. However, their lack of U.S. regulation means that different consumer protection standards apply.

The popularity of offshore sites demonstrates the strong demand among American players for online casino access. Unlike licensed U.S. casinos, offshore platforms are not subject to the same oversight, consumer protections, or dispute-resolution processes, which can pose risks for players.

As a result, many gaming companies and policymakers have increasingly advocated for regulated online gambling markets within the United States. Legal online casino platforms can provide oversight, generate tax revenue for states, and implement safeguards to protect players.

Today’s U.S. casino landscape combines traditional venues like Bally’s Marquette with expanding domestic and offshore online gaming. The new Marquette casino shows physical venues adapting to modern needs. The rise of online gambling signals the industry’s next major transformation.

Sources:

• Casino Queen Marquette
• KCRG.com

Senate Bill 756* passed the House after earlier Senate approval. Lawmakers voted twice, ultimately passing it 59–37 with one abstention. With both chambers engaged, attention now turns to the bill’s contents and next steps.

The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, would add Fairfax County to the list of eligible locations to host commercial casino gaming. The legislation does not immediately authorize the construction of a casino. Instead, it would allow local voters to decide the issue through a referendum before any license is granted.

Lawmakers in both chambers passed different versions of the bill, meaning a conference committee will need to reconcile the differences before sending final legislation to the governor. If an agreement is reached, the bill could eventually land on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s desk for final approval.

What the Fairfax County Casino Proposal Includes

The latest version of the legislation reflects several changes made during the legislative process. Previously, proposals focused specifically on the Tysons area of Fairfax County, but the updated bill removes that restriction. Now, a casino resort could be built anywhere within the county if voters approve it, broadening possible development sites.

Under the proposal, any casino would likely be part of a large mixed-use development featuring hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, potentially spanning more than one million square feet.

The bill also adjusts financial and regulatory aspects tied to the project. Lawmakers increased the licensing fee for operating a casino and introduced a revised gaming tax structure to share revenue between the state and Fairfax County.

If the legislation becomes law, the following step will be a countywide referendum in Fairfax County, where residents will vote on whether to allow a casino. Only if the majority of voters approve will developers be permitted to apply for a license and move forward with planning the resort complex.

Online Casinos and Offshore Gaming Options

The discussion surrounding a possible land-based casino in Fairfax County continues, as many U.S. players currently access online casino apps. Where online gambling is limited or unavailable, some players use offshore casino platforms that operate independently of U.S. jurisdiction.

Offshore online casinos generally offer a wide range of digital games, including 18+ slots, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer tables. Based overseas, these platforms may allow players from jurisdictions where domestic online gambling laws impose stricter restrictions.

If Virginia eventually approves a Fairfax County casino and expands its gaming market, it could signal broader changes to gambling in the state, potentially influencing future discussions about digital gaming as well.

At present, the advancement of a Northern Virginia casino depends upon lawmakers finalizing the legislation, followed by a possible countywide vote to determine whether Fairfax County becomes home to the state’s next major gaming destination.

Resources:

• Senate Bill 756*

A Connecticut resident turned a modest $5 wager into a life-changing payday this past weekend at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, winning $1,759,779.63 on the popular Jackpot Buffalo slot machine. The prize, won in the casino’s Casino of the Earth gaming floor, represents the largest slot jackpot at the resort since a $3.8 million win in 2022.

Mohegan Sun officials confirmed the win occurred on Sunday, February 22, when the guest hit the Mega Grand Jackpot on the Aristocrat Gaming “Jackpot Buffalo” game, a favorite among slot players for its progressive structure and potential for high payouts.

This milestone event comes amid a string of recent big payouts at the resort. Earlier in January, another patron won more than $700,000 on a Super 4 Royal Flush Progressive Jackpot while playing blackjack, and late last year, two players collected more than $1 million combined on online slot games.

Connecticut’s Evolving Casino Landscape: Retail and Online

Connecticut has long been known for its robust land-based casino industry, anchored by Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, both tribal gaming powerhouses that have drawn visitors regionally for decades. Beyond the glittering tables and slot floors in Uncasville and Ledyard, the state has embraced digital gaming, especially in the growing online casino sector.

Since the legalization of online casino gambling in 2021, Connecticut residents have had legal access to real-money online casino platforms operated in partnership with these two major resorts. The Mohegan Sun Online Casino (powered through a FanDuel partnership) and DraftKings Casino (partnered with Foxwoods) offer a range of games that mirror the land-based experience, including video slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, live dealer tables, and more.

Online casino players in Connecticut can enjoy the convenience of wagering from mobile devices or desktops, with dedicated apps for iOS and Android. These platforms often feature promotions such as deposit bonuses, free spins, and leaderboard competitions designed to engage both new and experienced players.

The state’s regulated online casinos have steadily expanded their gaming libraries, offering hundreds of titles ranging from classic slot machines to innovative live dealer experiences. These legal outlets provide players the security of state oversight while ensuring fair play and responsible gaming safeguards.

Offshore Options and Responsible Play

While Connecticut’s legal online casinos continue to build their presence, many players also explore the sites that accept U.S. players such as those listed on https://www.casinos18.com/. These international platforms often boast extensive game catalogs, including high-variance slots and table games unavailable through state-regulated offerings.

As both land-based and online gambling continue to grow, Connecticut’s gaming ecosystem reflects broader national trends in player behavior. While a big jackpot at a resort like Mohegan Sun can capture headlines, many enthusiasts now balance their entertainment between land-based visits, state-regulated online casino play, and offshore gambling sites that broaden their choice of games.

State authorities and responsible gaming advocates emphasize the importance of setting limits, understanding odds, and treating gambling primarily as entertainment. With evolving technology and increasing accessibility, Connecticut’s casino sector offers diverse ways to engage, from a lucky spin on a retail slot floor to the digital thrill of online roulette, all within a framework that aims to protect and inform players.

According to multiple news sources, the Indiana House of Representatives approved legislation allowing the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun to relocate to another county. House Bill 1038 aims to help struggling casino markets move to areas with greater customer demand and profitability.

Supporters note that Rising Star has experienced declining revenue for years due to competition from casinos in Kentucky and Ohio. They believe relocation could preserve jobs, boost state tax revenue, and drive economic development.

Under the legislation, four counties have emerged as potential relocation destinations: Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, and Wayne. Any operator seeking to move the casino would be required to invest at least $500 million into the new project, making the proposal one of the most significant casino-related developments in Indiana in recent years.

Online Casino Options In Indiana

While Indiana is home to a well-established retail casino market, the state does not currently offer regulated online casinos for slots or table games. That hasn’t stopped many players from searching for digital alternatives.

In the absence of state-approved online casino gambling, many Indiana residents explore 18+ online IN casinos, which are international platforms licensed outside the United States. These sites often accept players from Indiana and provide access to:

• Online slot machines
• Live dealer blackjack and roulette
• Digital poker rooms
• Progressive jackpots
• Mobile casino apps

Offshore casinos have grown in popularity because they offer convenience that physical casinos cannot match. Instead of traveling to a riverboat or resort property, players can spin slots or play blackjack instantly from home.

The Indiana House discussion around casino relocation also highlights a key point: lawmakers remain far more focused on physical casino investment than expanding online gambling. In fact, some state leaders have openly preferred the economic development benefits of a $500 million casino resort over the idea of “someone playing on their phone.”

For many players, though, online casinos accepting 18 players and up remain the closest option to true online casino gaming while Indiana law continues to limit domestic digital expansion.

Domestic Casinos in Indiana

Indiana’s brick-and-mortar casino industry is one of the strongest in the Midwest, with a mix of riverboat and land-based resorts spread across the state.

Domestic casinos in Indiana include major operators such as:

• Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
• Horseshoe Hammond
• Caesars Southern Indiana
• Harrah’s Hoosier Park
• Rising Star Casino Resort (the property tied to the relocation bill)

These casinos offer thousands of slot machines, sportsbook lounges, live entertainment, and full-scale resort amenities. They are also heavily regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, meaning players benefit from state oversight, consumer protections, and transparent tax contributions.

The proposed relocation of Rising Star is especially significant because it would not create a new casino license — instead, it would move an existing one to a stronger market. Communities like Fort Wayne in Allen County have shown serious interest in a casino resort, viewing it as a potential engine for tourism, job growth, and infrastructure development.

The decision clears the way for two major developments in Queens and one in the Bronx, marking the city’s first expansion into full casino gaming after years of political debate, community review, and high‑profile competition among developers.

The state approved three sites: a Hard Rock–backed entertainment district next to Citi Field, a major expansion of Resorts World near JFK Airport, and a Bally’s‑branded resort in the Bronx on a former golf course. The ruling ends months of speculation over competing proposals, including a high‑profile Times Square bid that regulators ultimately rejected.

State officials say the three projects will bring billions in private investment, create thousands of union jobs, add new public amenities, and generate long‑term tax revenue. Although each project follows a different construction timeline, developers plan to move quickly now that they have secured their licenses.

What the Queens and Bronx Casino Projects Will Include

The Queens developments represent two of the city’s most ambitious entertainment expansions in decades. The Hard Rock–Metropolitan Park project near Citi Field will feature a casino, hotel, live entertainment venues, and new public green space. Supporters say the district will operate year‑round and draw both residents and visitors.

Resorts World New York City, already among the nation’s busiest gaming facilities through its video lottery operations, will upgrade to a full casino license. The expansion will introduce table games such as blackjack and roulette, new dining options, and additional hospitality features, positioning the property as a major competitor to casinos in Atlantic City and Connecticut.

In the Bronx, Bally’s will redevelop the former golf course into a waterfront resort with gaming, restaurants, community amenities, and improved public shoreline access. The project will reshape a large stretch of the borough’s eastern edge and drive new economic activity throughout the area.

What NYC’s Casino Expansion Means for Players and the National Market

Approving three casinos in the nation’s largest city marks a significant shift in the U.S. gambling landscape. New York already leads the nation in mobile sports betting revenue, and analysts say full‑scale casinos will intensify regional competition and push lawmakers to revisit online casino legalization in the coming years.

For those tracking where gambling is permitted for players 18 and older in the United States, Casinos18.com is a widely used resource. The site offers state-by-state age requirements, casino openings, and regulatory updates, providing national context as New York enters a new era of brick-and-mortar gaming.

If construction remains on schedule, the first new casino could open as early as 2026, with others following later in the decade. Collectively, these projects are expected to reshape New York’s entertainment economy and strengthen the city’s position in the East Coast gaming corridor.

A newly introduced bill, HB 161, would prohibit sweepstakes gaming unless it is operated by a licensed internet gaming provider within the state. The measure was filed by Del. Marcus Simon and is scheduled for consideration by the House of Delegates this session.

The bill outlines steep civil penalties for violators (unlicensed operators), including fines of up to $100,000 for a first offense and up to $250,000 for subsequent violations. Supporters argue that the legislation is needed to close loopholes that have allowed sweepstakes casinos to operate without the same oversight required of traditional gambling businesses. The proposal arrives as several states, including California, New York, and New Jersey, have already passed similar bans in the past year.

HB 161 serves a dual purpose: it both bans unlicensed sweepstakes operators and establishes a framework for regulated online casino gaming in Virginia. If the bill passes, the Virginia Lottery Board would oversee this new iGaming market, mirroring its existing role in overseeing sports betting.

Online Casinos in the U.S. – The Alternative

While Virginia debates whether to extend the legalization of online gambling sites, many Americans continue to rely on 18-and-up online casinos for real‑money gambling. The sites featured on https://www.casinos18.com/ operate from international jurisdictions and legally accept U.S. players because they are not subject to federal or individual state gambling laws.

Offshore casinos typically offer a full suite of gaming options, including slots, blackjack, roulette, live‑dealer tables, and specialty games. They also offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and cryptocurrency. In recent years, their popularity has grown in states where online casino gaming remains illegal or unregulated.

As more gambling states consider legalizing online casinos, the divide between regulated domestic platforms and offshore alternatives is becoming a central issue in U.S. gambling policy.

Casinos in Virginia – A Growing Domestic Market

Virginia’s casino industry is young, but the state has quickly embraced brick-and-mortar gaming. New casinos have opened in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with more projects underway. These venues offer slots, table games, sportsbooks, restaurants, and live entertainment.

If HB 161 passes, Virginia’s casinos could launch digital platforms, growing both the regulated gaming market and state revenues, mirroring the success of other states. Local officials and casino operators want to expand gaming but stress the need for clear rules and consumer protections, which the new bill addresses.

Tourists in Las Vegas can now see the finished lower floors and new glass panels that show off the hotel’s guitar shape. When finished, the tower will be about 700 feet tall, add hundreds of rooms, and change the look of a well-known part of the Strip. Hard Rock leaders say the project is still on track and within budget.

The Mirage’s closing ended a chapter in Las Vegas, but the new Hard Rock tower aims to bring a modern, music-focused feel to the heart of the Strip. The project will also update dining and entertainment spots and fully renovate the old Mirage buildings around the new tower.

The new Hard Rock casino resort is set to open in 2027. It will have 174,000 square feet of gaming space, which is twice the size of the old Mirage casino floor. Guests can expect lots of table games, slots, a walk-in and online sportsbook, a poker room, and more.

*Online sportsbooks and poker rooms are allowed in Nevada, but local casinos cannot offer online or mobile casino gaming.

Impact on the Las Vegas Tourism and Casino Market

While construction has temporarily reduced the number of rooms on the Strip, experts believe the Hard Rock project will bring in more tourists over time. The new tower will add about 600 rooms, bringing the total to around 3,600 after all renovations are done.

The new project will double the size of the old Mirage casino floor, offering more than 175,000 square feet of gaming space and bigger meeting and convention areas. Industry insiders say this is one of the most significant hospitality investments in Las Vegas and could influence future projects on the Strip.

The guitar-shaped tower, inspired by Hard Rock’s signature hotels, can now be seen from many spots along Las Vegas Boulevard.

Beyond the Las Vegas Strip

As Las Vegas adds more in-person attractions, many Americans are gravitating towards online services, especially online casino sites that let people 18 and older play. Since most U.S. states still ban real-money online casino games, players often use licensed offshore operators in places like Costa Rica or Curaçao.

These offshore casinos can serve U.S. players because they operate outside U.S. rules, even though American authorities do not regulate them. They usually offer many real-money games, such as slots, blackjack, roulette, live-dealer tables, and other specialty games. Many also accept cryptocurrency payments, which attract players who prefer faster transactions and greater privacy.

However, consumer advocates say it’s vital to pick trustworthy offshore operators that are well-regulated in their own countries. The American Gaming Association offers advice on how to find legitimate gaming sites and understand the risks of using unregulated sites outside the U.S.

Cohen and Hard Rock International recently advanced their proposal after resolving a dispute with the U.S. Tennis Association, which had challenged a pre-development agreement tied to the site.

The project team aims to transform about 50 acres of parking lots around Citi Field into a large-scale entertainment district. The site will feature a casino, hotel, food hall, athletic fields, and 25 acres of public park space. The New York State Gaming Commission expects to award downstate casino licenses soon. Many view Cohen’s bid as a frontrunner since a local advisory committee gave unanimous support earlier this year.

State officials project that New York’s three approved casino projects—including Cohen’s, Bally’s Bronx proposal, and Resorts World’s Queens expansion—could generate up to $7 billion in tax revenue between 2027 and 2036. Developers of Metropolitan Park expect it to generate billions in annual revenue by its third year of operation.

Online Casinos and New York’s Expanding Gambling Market

While New York has legalized mobile sports betting and is preparing for full‑scale casinos in New York City, online casino gaming is currently only available from 18 and up sites operating outside the USA. These sites offer digital slots, table games, live‑dealer options, and exclusive perks such as accepting cryptocurrency for withdrawals and deposits, and sign-up bonuses.

New York’s local casinos are also evolving. Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers remain the region’s largest gaming venues, and both are pursuing upgrades as the state expands downstate licensing. Bally’s Bronx project and the Resorts World Aqueduct expansion were approved with Cohen’s bid, signaling a dramatic shift in the city’s gambling footprint.

Community Debate and Political Momentum

Cohen, backed by a lobbying team, has led one of New York’s most lobbied development efforts, drawing both strong support and vocal opposition. Supporters argue the project will create thousands of jobs, expand public green space, and modernize the area around Citi Field. Critics raise concerns about traffic, gambling addiction, and the use of state parkland for commercial development.

A key legislative committee voted earlier this year to advance a bill allowing commercial use of the designated land, a step that once seemed unlikely. Now that Cohen’s team has resolved the USTA dispute and moved the project through the final licensing stage, they are confident Metropolitan Park will break ground once state regulators decide.

The approval denotes a major milestone for the company, which now holds gaming licenses in New York, Mississippi, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. The company said it is proud to move the project forward, noting that the development will create new jobs, attract additional tourism, and generate significant tax revenue for the region.

With the license in hand, the developer can now begin site preparation, ramp up hiring, and finalize design plans as Pennsylvania continues to grow its gaming footprint. The approval positions the project to move quickly into its next phase, aligning with a broader surge in casino development across the state. In recent years, Pennsylvania has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy, adding new Category 4 mini‑casinos, approving major renovations at existing properties, and strengthening its online gaming market.

Penn State Casino Project

The Penn State casino project is part of Pennsylvania’s growing local casino industry. The Category 4 casino planned for the Nittany Mall near Penn State University is valued at over $100 million. Saratoga Casino Holdings recently took control of the project after Bally’s exit from the partnership.

The Nittany Mall casino will feature 300–750 slot machines, up to 30 table games, and various dining and entertainment options. Construction is expected to conclude before July 2026.

What Are Category 4 Mini‑Casinos in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s 2017 gaming expansion law created Category 4 casinos—better known as mini‑casinos or satellite casinos—as smaller, compact gambling venues. The idea was to let operators open compact casinos in areas that don’t need or can’t support a full‑scale resort.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board can issue up to 10 of these licenses, allowing approved developers to build modest‑sized casinos that still offer a meaningful mix of slots and table games.

Offshore 18+ Online Casinos Attract U.S. Players

While PennsylvWhile Pennsylvania expands its land-based casino offerings, many Americans, especially younger adults, are turning to 18+ online PA casinos for real-money gambling. These offshore platforms, typically licensed in places like Curaçao or Panama, are creating new competition for regulated U.S. casinos by legally accepting American players even in states that restrict online gambling.

Trusted online casinos attract players by featuring a wide range of game catalogs, cryptocurrency banking, and multiple versions of popular wagering games. Additionally, they permit younger adults (aged 18–20) to gamble online, a demographic excluded from most U.S.-regulated casinos, which generally require players to be 21 or older.

Pennsylvania’s Expanding Gaming Landscape

Pennsylvania remains one of the most competitive casino markets in the country, with more than a dozen land‑based casinos, a healthy online gaming industry, and legalized sports betting. The addition of new casino projects and the state’s strong regulatory framework position Pennsylvania to continue generating significant tax revenue from gaming in the coming years.

Industry experts observe that the combination of new brick‑and‑mortar casinos and the rise of offshore online gambling indicates a wider shift in how Americans engage with gaming. As states like Pennsylvania expand regulated options, offshore platforms continue to attract players seeking flexibility, lower age requirements, and broader access.

Earlier this month, the state’s Location Board endorsed three proposals: Bally’s in the Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Resorts World New York City in Queens. These projects are the result of a long and competitive bidding process involving many developers and gaming companies.

Community Response

Developers and supporters are pleased with the approvals, but some people have opposed the process. Protestors have attended several meetings to share concerns about social effects and neighborhood changes.

Organizers expect Monday’s meeting to go ahead without public comment and will not allow signs or visual demonstrations inside.

Online Casino Games

As New York gears up to expand its land-based casino offerings, many residents are already spinning the reels and joining lively table games online through 18+ online casinos that operate legally from outside of the United States. These platforms offer digital slots, classic table games, and immersive live dealer action from anywhere in the US.

Online NY casinos are convenient and give early access to online gaming, but the state does not regulate them. Industry analysts say the popularity of offshore sportsbooks and casinos indicates demand for domestic online casino options. If New York allows online casino gaming in the future, the state could see more revenue to further benefit the local economy.

Projected Economic Impact

State officials estimate that the three New York City casino projects will bring in about $7 billion in gaming tax revenue from 2027 to 2036. On top of that, another $5.9 billion in tax revenue is expected to support important public services like education and public transit. These numbers show how large the investment is and the long-term financial impact the casinos could have.

Leaders say these projects will help drive economic growth for the city and nearby areas. The construction phase will create thousands of jobs, and once the casinos open, there will be permanent roles in hospitality, gaming, security, and management. These new jobs are expected to help many residents, from those starting out to professionals looking to move up in the entertainment and tourism fields.

Conclusion

Approving three new casinos in New York City marks a big change for the state’s gaming industry. At the same time, many 18+ players still use offshore casinos, showing why digital regulation matters. These changes bring both new opportunities and challenges as the state balances casino growth with online gaming.