Before the downfall, I think the casinos were in a constant race of building the biggest (and most expensive) place to attract new visitors and as a result became massively overleveraged so when things slowed down, they got caught.

And about 2% in large denomination chips in a safety deposit box in a Vegas casino

My area of interest is Columbus, and in that city it looks like the proposed casino will be open in late 2012.

BTW...Prudent states like Texas are being forced to pay for the property casino states right now with their tax dollars.

Private devleopment funds investing $100's of millions, local government incentives and tax abatements, new streetcar program just received a $25 million Fed grant and is close to fully funded (and will run directly through OTR connecting UC and downtown), new urban casino development nearby, and with CBD and UC close - it is wedged between the largest employers in the city.I know Cincinnati has a "rust belt" feel to it, and indeed the population has decreased over the past 30 years but has stabilized (will be interested to see 2010 census on the area).

What should I hit up while I'm there other than the casinos?

And I've probably thrown away more money at the casino than you have ever made.

They are doing this by encouraging more entertainment businesses, fairly big casinos, creating a good night-life, etc.

There is a casino/hotel there (Northern Quest) that has been going strong for 18 years or so (maybe longer and I just wasn't aware of it earlier than that).

My area has seen a slight boost from casino gambling and the future of nanotechnology.