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Showtime in the Casinos

For thousands of years, gambling has been a popular form of entertainment around the globe. History reveals a wide range of engagement, from Europeans who wagered on horses and played card and dice games, to early versions of keno in China, distinctive games of chance enjoyed by the Romans and Greeks, and dice games played by the ancient Egyptians.

In the 20th century in the United States, gambling not only became legal but also changed into a major commercial entity enjoyed on a large scale at casinos all across the country.

Since that time, casinos have grown from multigame operations to mega hotels and resorts offering everything from retail shopping to a wide range of gastronomic opportunities, spa services, movie theaters and more.

Perhaps most notable among these is live entertainment.

Today, you can find a wealth of live entertainment options that go far beyond showgirls and crooners.

Following is a sampling of numerous upcoming casino entertainment options, including outstanding resident and touring performers that are attracting groups from around the country.

Put Your Hands Together for…    

Located right off Atlantic City, New Jersey’s famed beach and boardwalk and only a short drive from every major city in the Northeast, the Tropicana Hotel and Casino has a great deal to offer.

Some of the biggest names in the entertainment business perform here in the Tropicana Showroom, a stunning, 2,000-seat Broadway-style theater that will make you forget you’re in a casino. Traveling acts here include rock- ‘n’-roll hall of famer Dion, sibling singing country group the Band Perry, rock band the Goo Goo Dolls with SafetySuit, country group the Eli Young Band and Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience, also known as the Long Island Medium. Award-winning magician Joe Holiday also has a resident act for the 2015 Christmas season, “Holiday’s Magic and Mayhem.” This Year’s Holiday Jubilee is entitled “Sounds of the Seasons.”

Also located in Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel has an exciting lineup of upcoming acts, among them Sully Erna of the rock group Godsmack, the Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards, and Herman’s Hermits starring singer Peter Noone. Other notables include celebrity impersonator Karen Grainger in “Divas Live” and the Dynamic Duo of Comedy Andre and Cirell.

At the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in the Grand Event Center, you’ll find entertainment including Grand Ole Opry inductee Terri Clark; the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd; country singers Tanya Tucker, Brenda Lee, Trace Adkins and the Charlie Daniels Band; and the Southern Rock group .38 Special, as part of its WNFR Entertainment series.

The Charlie Daniels Band is also scheduled to perform at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, Louisiana; the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, California, just outside Palm Springs; and the IP Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi, Mississippi.

.38 Special will also be appearing at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, Louisiana; the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California, near Fresno; the Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita, Arizona, outside Tucson; Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina, near the Great Smoky Mountains; and the Island Resort and Casino in Harris, a town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Comedy Stars

Original counterculture, stoner-hippie comedy duo Cheech and Chong has garnered throngs of fans and created an exciting touring show appearing at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Riverside, California, and Riverside, Iowa; Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in New York; the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City; and the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park near Cleveland.

Known as the king of the rant for his comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing, comedian Lewis Black will be appearing at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

Comedian and actor George Wallace will be appearing at the Lumière Place Casino and Hotel in St. Louis; and at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, comedy and celebrity impressionist, singer and entertainer Gordie Brown performs in its Showroom.

Comedian Jay Leno has been wowing audiences for decades on stage and television with his unique brand of humor. Fans can enjoy his upcoming performances at casinos such as the Terry Fator Theatre at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas; the Pavilion at Jack Cincinnati Casino in Cincinnati; and the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia.

Another popular touring comedian and impressionist is Frank Caliendo. He will be bringing his unique brand of humor to the Tulalip Resort Casino in Tulalip, near Seattle, and the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in Charles Town, West Virginia.