An expanding number of cities across the U.S. are looking to attract urban casinos, with the hope that further development and money (tax revenues to fill drained city coffers) will follow.
Chicago may soon become the next large city in the United States to legalize gambling within its limits. Across the U.S., a substantial number of states and cities have legalized gambling in recent years, despite an ongoing debate over the pros and cons of their effect on crime rates, surrounding property values, and municipal coffers. "The debate is just the latest in a decades-long controversy over what role, if any, casinos can play in the revival of America's cities," says Next American City's Ryan Briggs.
"The economic downturn has given states an impetus to open up new sources of revenue, with gambling often viewed as low-hanging fruit," states Briggs. "Twelve states have expanded gambling options in the last three years, 22 now permit commercial casinos (up from two in 1974)..." Yet concerns remain. Many urban casinos have had their fair share of issues, such as Philadelphia's Sugarhouse, which has underperformed since its opening.
FULL STORY: Urban Roulette
State Supreme Court Deals Setback for Philly Casino Proposal
Regulatory issues have delayed a proposed casino mega-development in South Philadelphia.
New Philly Slots Site May Help Gambling Fit Better
Philadelphia is still trying to figure out where to put its two approved casinos as it prepares to become the nation's biggest city to host gambling. In this piece, Inga Saffron says a new proposed site could make gambling work for Philly.
Adaptive Reuse More Popular Than Ever, Study Says
The past decade saw more old commercial buildings transformed into residential buildings than any decade previous.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research