Gambling entertainment thrives in certain cities, and if you love casino games then visiting those places should be on your bucket list. Find out our top picks.
Casino tourism is not a new thing. People have always traveled to famous gambling cities like Las Vegas, looking for top-notch gaming entertainment. What changed, however, is the number of top destinations that people could visit compared to the previous decades. From Monte Carlo to Singapore, there are now some new contenders on the list.
If you wish to explore and find out more about the best casino tourism hotspots today, keep reading this article.
Top cities for casino entertainment
The best gaming cities in the world provide a combination of entertainment and culture. These destinations are not only an extension of gambling but are complemented by comfortable hotels, fashion, selected cuisine, and cultural attractions.
While top casino cities like Las Vegas, Macau, and Monte Carlo are still on top, the not-so-popular locations are gradually growing. In fact, places like Nunavut are already looking for ways to attract tourists through culturally inspired casinos. Despite the fact that the Nunavut casinos are relatively in the early stages, they offer a unique blend of cultural entertainment with regular online casino games and perks.
Now, let’s go straight to the best casino resorts worldwide that offer a unique blend of entertainment and tourist attractions.
Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas, renowned as the top casino capital of the world, still remains the premiere gaming tourism spot. Only last year, the city hosted more than 40 million travelers.
One of the most famous Las Vegas gaming attractions is the Las Vegas Strip where the majority of the best casino resorts can be found. These include popular spots like:
- The Bellagio
- Caesars Palace
- The Venetian
These resorts are not only grand in providing an excellent facility for gambling but also a lavish place to dine and wine. Ocean Prime seafood restaurant is a great place to dine and enjoy the view of the Strip. Besides these, there are also clubs for nightlife like Peppermint Hippo and a Bellagio Botanical Garden for a quiet morning walk. Visitors can also explore a myriad of nature attractions such as the Mojave Desert and the Grand Canyon for a combination of games and nature.
All these attractions explain why the Las Vegas Strip occupancy was 87% in September, which is up from 84.7% from a year ago. Also, the city boasted over 1500,00 hotel rooms in 2023, making it a great location for casino vacation packages.
Macau, China
Famously known as the “Las Vegas of Asia”, Macau has grown to become a global giant in the gaming sector.
For the first ten months of 2024 alone, Macau’s gaming revenue stood at $23.7 billion. This proves that tourists and the high rollers continue to be drawn to Macau’s casinos.
Macau casino resorts like The Venetian Macao and City of Dreams are some of the finest casino and entertainment complexes. These resorts are not just about gaming, they include luxurious hotel rooms, high-end shopping, and giant entertainment centers. You can also eat gourmet food and enjoy fine dining by Michelin-star chefs. For example, The Venetian Macao has one of the largest casino floors in the world and very impressive internal waterways with gondolas.
Culture-wise, Macau also has a lot to offer. Tourists may walk around the historic center of Macau, which is listed on the UNESCO List of Cultural Heritage. They can walk on cobblestone streets, and see buildings that resemble the architecture of Portugal.
Tourism-related destinations include:
- The Ruins of St. Paul’s
- Senado Square
- The A-Ma Temple
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is often associated with glamour, elegance, and luxury casino hotels. Located in the middle of the French Riviera, this tiny but splendid district of Monaco attracts only the most wealthy and famous gamblers and tourists.
The great symbol and main attraction of Monte Carlo is the Casino de Monte-Carlo. It’s an architectural gem of the Belle Époque built in 1863. Known for its opulent design, gilded interiors, and historic significance, the casino has become an enduring symbol of elegance in gaming. It served as a backdrop for iconic films such as James Bond: Casino Royale.
Casinos in Monaco continue to play a significant role in the economy earning $ 5,041.5 million in 2024. And, with expectations of an annual growth of 8.2% CAGR by 2034 in the gaming industry, the country is set for the future.
Apart from Monte Carlo gambling tourism, the city has so much more to offer in terms of luxury. Tourists can dine in Michelin-star restaurants, shop in the Carré d’Or area or attend the Monaco Yacht Show, or the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
There is also cultural interest in Monte Carlo. The Casino de Monte-Carlo boasts an Opéra de Monte-Carlo, featuring premier performances. Moreover, visitors can learn more about Monaco’s royal and nautical past at the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
Singapore
Singapore has very successfully managed to establish itself as one of the top gaming tourism destinations. After the legalization of gambling in 2005, the city-state has become a hub of millions of foreign visitors.
Singapore received total tourism receipts of 27.16 billion Singapore dollars in 2023. Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa were the key contributors to the growth.
When visiting, you can see some of the stunning architectural designs of Marina Bay Sands. There is an iconic three-tower structure topped with SkyPark that has panoramic views of the Singapore skyline. Also, you can enjoy The Shoppes for classy shopping and explore art at the ArtScience Museum and Sands Theatre.
Alongside Resorts World Sentosa casino, the resort features other attractions like:
- Universal Studios Singapore
- The S.E.A. Aquarium
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
Casino travel trends
One big trend happening in gaming tourism is the emergence of integrated resorts. Most casinos are no longer gambling establishments, but vast complexes with hotels, shopping centers, theaters, and convention centers. This creates an international casino travel that draws other visitors, not just usual gamblers.
At the same time, new opportunities in online gaming are changing the approaches to gambling. Gamers are now looking for places where they can easily find info about games, matches, and returns. For example, the role of football stats in betting has always played an important part. After all, fans of football games gamble using the statistical data gathered by analysts to make their bet on the given football games. This makes gambling more than just a game of chance for them.
It is also interesting to note that emerging markets are also taking an important place in forming the future industry. Places like Japan and Brazil have casino gambling legislation in their pipeline already. This could see them turn into significant gaming tourism hubs.
Also, with safe and responsible gambling activities, destinations are building up their image. Thus, they attract increased attention from visitors with social responsibility considerations. All these trends serve as a sign of a change in the casino tourism industry to meet the new clientele in the market.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These entertainment and gaming travel destinations are currently ranked the top places to visit if you are looking for some fun. Of course, as you’ve seen, they offer much more than regular gambling entertainment. With high-end shopping centers, art centers, clubs, and even gondola rides, these visits will provide non-stop fun as well as be a learning experience.
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