Marcus Richards
For many people, a holiday is a chance to spend some quality time doing the things they love or enjoy a lifestyle on another continent, whether that’s relaxing by a pool, exploring museums, or indulging in their favourite hobby or pastime. Those that enjoy the thrill and excitement of a trip to the casino will often choose their destinations based on the opportunities they might have to visit one, and there are some destinations that are top picks for those that enjoy playing casino games.
The fun and excitement of visiting a casino make it a perfect holiday activity, whether you are travelling to a far-flung corner of the world or just a different spot in your home country. Gambling is a great way to blow off some steam and get a rush of endorphins and there are so many places where you can have a great time, you will be truly spoilt for choice.
Las Vegas
No self-respecting casino fan could possibly pass up the chance to visit the global home of gaming, not least for the sheer number of casinos there are to choose from and the wide variety of entertainment on offer within them. When Nevada legalised gambling in order to bolster the state’s coffers in the aftermath of the Great Depression, there was no way of knowing that this would change the entire nature of the city for the foreseeable future.
Gamblers can stroll down the iconic strip, marvelling at the sheer magnitude of the casinos that dominate the skyline. From roller coasters and Ferris wheels to recreations of famous landmarks from around the world, the very nature of Las Vegas means that you are constantly amazed by the scale of the casinos around you.
One of the most famous casinos that is a must-see for many visitors is the Bellagio, famous for its dancing fountains, fine art gallery and, of course, the poker rooms. As one of the venues on the World Poker Tour, the Bellagio has forty tables and two exclusive rooms dedicated to high-stakes games.
Many aspiring players are honing their skills on casino gaming sites, gaining the confidence to bluff with an online poker bet, but there is still a place for the real-life experience of a casino. The sounds of other games going on around you, the atmosphere in a room full of potential winners and the immensely impressive surroundings will always have a unique appeal that simply can’t be matched.
Monte Carlo
Where Las Vegas is big, bold and over-the-top, Monte Carlo is known for being a slightly more understated gambling destination, although still one that sees plenty of drama and action. Famous for hosting fictional super spy James Bond in the films Casino Royale, GoldenEye, and Never Say Never Again, Monte Carlo is known for the opulence of its casinos.
The Casino de Monte Carlo has an international reputation for being one of the most exclusive venues in the world. As well as a beautifully decorated casino, there are exquisite restaurants and immaculately tended grounds combining to create an overwhelming sense of luxury.
Macau
Whilst it is in China, Macau has been designated as a special administrative region, and it is the only place where gambling is legal in the whole country. This has resulted in the area being dubbed ‘the Monte Carlo of the East’ and even challenging Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world.
The sheer scale of the gambling industry in Macau is hard to imagine as the region has consistently overshadowed the income generated by the Las Vegas gambling industry for the past decade or so. Gamblers in Macau can play the highest stakes games of any casinos in the world with private rooms open only to the very wealthiest gamblers.
Some reports suggest that two-thirds of the total gambling revenue generated in Macau comes from high rollers playing in these games in casinos such as the overwhelmingly glamorous Grand Lisboa casino. The building itself is the tallest in Macau and was designed to look like an opening lotus flower with a globe comprising more than a million LED lights.
Inside, there are eight hundred gaming tables and a thousand slot machines offering visitors a seemingly endless choice of games and opportunities to win. The whole place is dripping with expensive touches from one of the largest diamonds in the world to crystal toilets, with high-end restaurants and entertainment as well.
Amsterdam
Like Las Vegas, Amsterdam has a reputation for being the go-to destination for those that want to walk on the wild side, and the sheer volume of casinos is testament to the popularity of gaming in the Netherlands’ biggest city. Part of the appeal is the fact that there is a choice of centrally-located casinos, meaning that you can immerse yourself in the Dutch culture and relaxed way of life and have a fun and exciting casino experience and everything is within walking distance.
Whether you want a taste of the high life or a chance to explore the biggest casinos in the world there are plenty of places you can go for a gambling holiday to remember. It can be fascinating to experience another culture by seeing their approach to gambling, from bluffing your way through a game of poker or playing a slot machine with a difference, and there’s always a chance that you could be going home a winner.
