As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have extensive knowledge of the various states that allow casinos to serve free drinks while gambling. In my experience, I have found that out of the 13 states where non-Indian, non-racetrack casinos are operating, nine of them have regulations in place that permit the serving of complimentary alcoholic beverages. These states are Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.
I have personally visited and worked in several of these states, and I can attest to the fact that casinos in Nevada and New Jersey, in particular, are well-known for their practice of serving free drinks to gamblers. These states have a vibrant and bustling casino culture, and the provision of complimentary beverages is seen as a way to enhance the overall gambling experience.
However, it is important to note that not all casinos in these states take advantage of this regulation. In fact, the American Gaming Association states that in three of these states, the majority of casinos do not offer free drinks to their patrons. While the association does not specify which states these are, it suggests that the practice of providing complimentary alcoholic beverages is not universally adopted in all casinos within the states where it is allowed.
In my personal experience, I have found that the decision to offer free drinks while gambling can vary from casino to casino, even within the same state. Some casinos may choose to provide a limited selection of complimentary beverages, while others may have more generous policies. It ultimately depends on the individual casino's business strategy and customer service approach.
While nine states in the United States allow casinos to serve free drinks while gambling, the actual implementation of this practice can vary within each state. It is important for gamblers to be aware of the specific policies of the casino they are visiting to determine if complimentary beverages will be offered.