The World’s Most Glamorous Casino Destinations
For centuries, the casino has been associated with a certain level of glamour. From being pleasure palaces for the European elite in the 17th and 18th centuries, to being the playgrounds of modern-day high rollers and celebrities, nothing quite tops casinos for combining adrenaline-fuelled gaming with luxurious allure.
Here in the 21st century, casino gaming is booming, with casinos and poker rooms cropping up in the most unlikely of places. There are certain cities, however, that cannot be beaten when it comes to luxury venues.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the five most spectacular gaming cities in the world.
Sports Betting in Casino Destinations
In casinos at many of the locations featured in this post, there’ll also be a wealth of sports betting opportunities to take advantage of as well as the expected card and table games. Casinos in Las Vegas, for instance, offer numerous betting lines and markets on team sports and horse racing, while you’re sure to find high street bookies in major cities.
While it’s certainly exciting to lay your bets on a major sporting event in a busy casino or bookies office, you can get more value by checking out what’s available online before you do. Websites like Oddschecker bring together the best betting markets and attractive bonus offers from leading providers like DraftKings – one of the most recognised sportsbooks in the world – including free bets.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City herself is one of the most extravagant casino destinations, but it’s also packed to the rafters with pure indulgence. With an almost overwhelming number of luxury hotels and casino resorts to stay at, if you have an unlimited travel budget, you can certainly do a lot worse than spending it in Las Vegas.
Top of anyone’s bucket list simply has to be the Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort. Covering an impressive 9000 square feet, this suite even features a selection of artwork curated by Damien Hirst. Of course, all the amenities you might expect are also there for your enjoyment, from the private pool and terrace to the sumptuously furnished king-sized bedrooms.
Nassau, Bahamas
If you’re tempted by crystalline waters and pure white sands, make visiting Nassau in the Bahamas a priority. Paradise Island, a 2.8sq kilometre island just off Nassau harbour, is the place to be for combining casino gaming with sunbathing.
The island itself is home to several grand casino resorts, like the Atlantis Paradise, which is the host for professional poker tournaments like the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. Book a stay at The Royal and prepare to be dazzled by its opulent décor. For a truly luxurious vacation, make sure to stay in The Bridge Suite, which even features a baby grand piano.
Macau, China
The hottest destination for casino gaming in Asia, Macau is where the ‘crazy-rich Asians’ flock to when they want to win big in lavish surroundings. While it may not be as world-famous a destination as Hong Kong, Macau nevertheless takes casino gaming very seriously. As a result, there are some awe-inspiring mega-resorts here, including the renowned City of Dreams. With no less than four luxury hotels, including the stunning Morpheous, designed by Zaha Hadid, you’ll also find a sprawling casino that we challenge you not to get lost in.
What sets Macau apart from other gaming-focused destinations like Vegas is that you can easily take a trip back in time simply by turning a corner. As a former Portuguese colony, the city is a unique blend of east meets west, perfectly encapsulated in the Historic Centre of Macau UNESCO site.
Paris, France
If this was a post about the most romantic destinations, Paris would be number one. Yes, the city is renowned worldwide for its dazzling array of iconic monuments, thought-provoking art and irresistible culture, but she’s also an entertainment powerhouse.
Paris truly comes to life at night, and amongst the spectacle of Le Moulin Rouge and the elite dancefloor at L’Arc Paris, you can find some great gaming destinations. The Cercle Haussman, just a stone’s throw away from the Palais Garnier, is an upscale casino with an array of gaming tables, including Punto Banco, among old favourites like blackjack. For heritage, head to Aviation Club de France which, having opened in 1907, is one of the oldest gaming clubs in the city.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The playground of the rich and famous, with more superyachts and billionaires per square mile than any other destination on earth, Monte Carlo was destined to be our number one pick. As far removed from the ostentatious gaming scene of Las Vegas as you can get, Monte Carlo is a destination that takes the casino very seriously indeed.
In fact, the Casino de Monte Carlo was at the heart of transforming the fortunes of this one-time failed seaside resort in the 19th century. A true work of art, designed by Palais Garnier architect Charles Garnier, this belle epoque complex houses not just the exclusive gaming rooms, but the Opera de Monte Carlo and the offices of the Ballet de Monte Carlo as well.
