Her colors have faded, but when this place opened in 1990, like its namesake--The Rio, was hot.

On a recent weekday morning, there were plenty of slot machines available at the Encore Boston Harbor casino, with their flashing lights, inviting noises, and big-screen displays beckoning patrons to take their chances on a spin.

The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas name may be new, but the property is hoping to keep some familiar faces around after it undergoes renovation.

Legal sports wagering is spreading; online and mobile betting is increasing, and the NFL's RedZone channel is almost addictive. But there's nothing quite like wagering and watching games in Las Vegas. Its sports books lead the way in technology, comfort, and camaraderie. With multiple games broadcast on multiple screens, with bets riding on nearly every play, there can be anticipatory hushes, lusty cheers and despairing boos simultaneously.

New Jersey still ranks among national leaders in terms of casino gaming's economic impact but other states, including nearby competitors, are gaining ground, according to a recent report.

Las Vegas and Atlantic City have been compared for decades as the nation’s two premier casino destinations, including when it comes to public safety.

There was a time when people went to casinos expressly to gamble. But about 30 years ago, meetings and events at gaming destinations began to gain some serious traction.

Today on the Best of Our Knowledge, we’ll travel to Las Vegas, Nevada…and talk to someone who has created an office of diversity at universities on both sides of the country.