- Macau
- Los Angeles
- San Remo
While online casino games have become hugely popular across the globe, creating an average revenue of around approximately $21 billion dollars every year, the nostalgia of glamorous casinos just can’t be shaken.
One game that has been particularly glamorized in movies is poker, with scenes from Ocean’s Eleven (2001), California Split (1974) and Lucky You (2007) influencing the way poker is viewed around the world.
Below, we will take a look at some of the world’s top poker destinations:
Macau, China
Macau is known as the ‘Vegas of China’ and it has the name for a reason. Like Hong Kong, Macau is an autonomous region within China, enabling it to operate with different laws to the mainland. As much. Macau is not bound to the same strict laws on gambling that the rest of China is.
Macau was a Portuguese colony for over 300 years, creating what we know today as one the most dynamic and hybrid cultures in the world. Think large Chinese temples set on traditional Portuguese tiles, alongside restaurants and street food that represents the best of the traditional Cantonese and Portuguese cultures.
As for gambling in Macau, people come from all over the world to improve their hand at poker in live games across the 41 casinos on offer in the region. Today, 50% of Macau’s revenue is generated from the gambling industry, making it a huge and integral part of their economy.
The city is so well known for its casinos that in 2007, it even overtook the revenue of the Las Vegas strip. Macau is also one of the top destinations for large poker tournaments, in which some of the top professional poker players from around the world can be seen visiting the destination. If you’re visiting the Venetian, you’ll need deep pockets. The minimum bet in a game of 3 card poker is $300.
So, if you’re looking for a world class tourist destination where you can also try your hand at some world class poker, Macau should definitely be on the top of your list.
Los Angeles, California
As if California could get any more appealing, the sunshine state is usually featured for offering glitz and glamour with dozens of Hollywood A-listers walking the streets. Those visiting LA are taken aback by the vibes of Venice Beach, the scenic views of Santa Monica Pier, the laid-back atmosphere of the Venice Canals and the stars and lights on Hollywood Boulevard. Not to mention, Rodeo Drive offers some of the best shopping there is to be had.
Yet LA is also known for its poker. While some may begin to image the glitz and glamour of large Vegas style casinos with celebrities lining the streets outside, many of LA’s poker venues are far from this. If you are tired of the stereotypical bond type casinos where you need to dig out your best bow tie to visit and grab a second mortgage to get a round of drinks in, then LA’s poker scene could be for you.
If you’re familiar with the slightly more rugged scenes of the movie Rounders then you’ll know what to expect in LA, with the poker experience being one of the most authentic you can get. Some of the top places to visit in the area include American League Post, Commerce Casino and California Science Centre.
Of course, if you love the glitz and glamour of world class casinos then LA also has these on offer. Some of the best casinos in LA include Hollywood Park Casino, The Gardens Casino and The Bicycle Hotel and Casino.
So whether you’re looking for a varied vacation or want to hone in on putting your poker skills to the test while visiting LA, there’s so much on offer in this place that your whole party will be kept happy.
San Remo, Italy
San Remo is a scenic coastal city on the northwestern coast of Italy. The destination has been popular with tourists since the 1700’s, with visitors from across Europe coming here to enjoy the rich culture on offer. The area was also particularly appealing to Russian aristocracy.
Famous for the annual Sanremo music festival, the city receives thousands of tourists each year. One of the biggest attractions is the long stretch of sandy beach. La pigna is the historic section of the city which has many cultural sites to be visited, including the old Bussana ruins, historic biking trails and the San Basiilo, a Russian orthodox church that sees many tourists each year.
However, looking over to the hill in La pigna, visitors will see one of the most iconic casinos. The Casino de Sanremo is a huge gambling and entertainment complex that offers all the glitz and glamour you would imagine in a European casino.
One of the most famous games on offer in the casino is Texas Hold’em poker, in which the game is played with 52 French cards; two of which are dealt face down to each player. While tournaments are held with more than 10 people, there is also the option to experience a small and authentic game in the casino.
Other destinations
Some other top poker destinations around the world include:
- London, England
- Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Barcelona, Spain
- Dublin, Ireland
Overall, there are some top poker destinations across the world, each one worth visiting. Poker is hugely popular, especially online which offers the convenience of accessing anywhere and at any time. That being said, sometimes visiting the real deal is just what’s needed.
