Ever since the first modern casinos emerged in the 1940s, there has been a demand for gaming tourism. The 1960s saw a boom period for the industry and, even in the online digital age, the sector continues to thrive.
While many major cities around the world have at least one casino outlet, some are more attractive to players than others. There’s always plenty of choice, and for anyone considering a gaming holiday, these locations are up with the best.
Las Vegas
There’s only one logical place to start: If you plan just one casino trip in your lifetime, the destination has to be Las Vegas. This is the location with the highest density of gaming halls, and each one strives hard to gain a share of a popular market.
This Nevada city is credited as the birthplace of modern casino culture, with the first venue opening in 1941. Since then, the original El Rancho Vegas has been overtaken, and there are currently 45 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
Each offers something different, but all operators will provide classic casino games such as poker, baccarat, roulette, and hundreds of slots with free spins and bonus rounds. Casinos here will often beat other cities around the world for sheer size. You can expect to see more tables and slots in Vegas than anywhere else.
There are venues to suit all players, and some of the most iconic locations include the Venetian, Paris Las Vegas, Luxor and Ellis Island Casino.
London
Like Las Vegas, London can boast a long history when it comes to casino play. Underground gaming halls have been around for decades, while the practice grew when an act was passed in 1960 to legalise many forms of gaming for real stakes.
Historically, many of London’s famous casinos were located in Mayfair. Over time, additional establishments were built in the city’s west end, close to the famous theatre district.
London may also have an advantage over rival casino locations, as there are many other tourist attractions. There’s so much to see and do here but remember to find time for a game of cards, some roulette play or a spin on the slots.
Among the many London casinos to visit are the Hippodrome, the Sportsman, Palm Beach, and the Park Lane Club.
Monte Carlo
Everything about Monte Carlo spells luxury living. From the millionaires’ yachts in the harbour to the stunning spectacle that is the Monaco Grand Prix, this is the place to find high-end casino play.
The reputation within Monte Carlo suggests that it’s exclusively for high rollers, but this isn’t necessarily the case. It is possible to visit here on a budget and enjoy the many gaming halls in operation. Once you’ve arranged travel and accommodation, the list of top venues here includes the Casino Cafe de Paris, and the Casino de Monte Carlo.
Macau
Asia as a whole offers vast opportunities for casino tourism. The continent has many players who are fanatical about their favourite games, meaning that there is a wide choice when it comes to locations.
Opinions may vary, but many feel that Macau is the best. A former Portuguese colony, this is now a special administrative region within China. Casino gaming is legal here, and because of the many physical locations in the area, Macau has been described as the ‘Las Vegas of Asia.’
With around 30 casinos in the region, players are spoiled for choice, but some of the most popular venues include the Grand Lisboa, the Macau Venetian, the Rio and the Babylon.
Remnants of the Portuguese era remain in Macau, leaving options to explore amazing historical sites when you’re not at the casino tables.
Atlantic City
There’s more than one top casino tourism option in the United States. The state of New Jersey has always been accommodating to the industry, both online and in the physical world. It may not have the same volume of venues as Las Vegas, but each offers an exceptional playing experience.
Resorts International became the first legal US casino outside of Vegas when it opened its doors in 1978. Since then, other top locations have followed, making this one of the most popular global gaming destinations.
Venues to add to your list include Ocean Casino Resort Tropicana and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Atlantic City doesn’t possess too many non-gaming attractions, but a short trip across the Hudson River will provide all the stunning sights of New York City.
All across the world, major cities have at least one popular casino in place to drive tourist revenue. If you enjoy gaming, it’s worth seeking them out wherever you happen to be but, for the serious players, each of the destinations shown here would provide a great backdrop for a casino-focused holiday.
Traditionally, these have always been the best options for gaming trips, and any one city would offer a perfect playing experience.
