Gambling Cities – The Top Towns for Every Punter
Are you an avid gambling fan who has been bitten by the travel bug? Do you fancy exploring foreign cities all while being given a chance to gamble at some of the most exciting casinos in the world? We live in times when nothing is impossible. If you feel like its time to pack your suitcase and visit an awesome city full of casino adventures, you’ve landed on the right spot, without even taking off. Stay tuned as are going to reveal the most incredible gambling cities in the world.
List of the Biggest Gambling Cities in the World
Many people – punters and regulars – have heard of top gambling cities such as Las Vegas. In fact, the very first thought that comes rushing in our brains when we hear its name is indeed casino paradise. While well-deserved, it isn’t the only exciting and exotic place that you can fly off to, should you want to spice things up a bit on your quest to expanding your gambling horizons. Buckle up and check out the most interesting, exotic, as well as biggest gambling cities around the world. We are sure that some of them will surprise you!
Monte Carlo – A Mediterranean Casino Jem
Monaco and Monte Carlo, in particular, are the epitome of a casino destination among the top gambling cities in the world. The tiny France-locked micronation is barely km2 in size, and yet it is known all over the world as the Mediterranean jewel and home to luxury, wealth, yachts, and famous people on every corner. Along with the Formula 1 Grand Prix, fabulous beach strip, and world-class dining options, you will find one of the oldest and grand casinos in the world.
If you want to feel like a true loyalty and a visitor to a casino that came out of a James Bond movie, Monaco should be at the top of the list. It does not lack in casino game variations, and you will have plenty to see and do when you want to take a break. Some of the best tourist destinations are a short drive away, as well as the world-renowned French Riviera. It’s not cheap to spend a week in Monte Carlo, but the glamour that this tiny city-state promises will make it all worth it.
Number of Casinos: | 4 |
Types of Games: | Slots, Poker, Blackjack, Trente et Quarante, Baccarat, Roulette, Craps |
Number of Visitors: | More than 7 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$3,500 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Oceanographic Museum, Casino of Monte-Carlo, Palais du Prince, Japanese Gardens, Larvotto Beach |
Things to Do Around: | Visit Nice, Saint-Tropez, or Roquebrune |
How to Get There: | Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, by sea, by bus/car from France or Italy |
Las Vegas – Gambling Capital of the World
Ahhh, Las Vegas! The casino Mecca and one of the biggest gambling cities in the world, if not the largest. Everybody knows about it and its reputation. Millions of tourist descend upon it every year to visit one of its numerous exquisite casino resorts, bet on the gargantuan gaming floors and drink their way into the night, drowning in pure entertainment. No matter which resort on the iconic Las Vegas Strip you have chosen, you won’t feel the need ever to leave.
Each one is packed with Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and endless entertainment. By being one of the biggest gambling cities in the world, it offers casino fun for punters of all budgets. However, don’t let this desert pearl fool you. It has a history of putting a spell on people. Take breaks and use the opportunity to explore the area around. Did anyone say the Grand Canyon? Why even bother of staying at home and gambling at one of the best online casino sites in the US when you have all of this at your disposal?
Number of Casinos: | 136 |
Types of Games: | Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, Slots |
Number of Visitors: | 49.5 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$3.570 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | High Roller Ferris Wheel, The Strip, Fountains of Bellagio, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, Stratosphere Tower |
Things to Do Around: | Emerald Cave Kayaking, Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Hoover Dam |
How to Get There: | McCarran International Airport, by car from within the US |
Macau – The Las Vegas of Asia
The Las Vegas of Asia earned its nickname for a reason. In two short decades, Macau transformed itself into the definitive Asian casino hub and truly one of the biggest gambling cities in the world. Having been a Portuguese colony, this exciting place is a perfect mix between European colonial architecture and ultra-modern mega-casino resorts. In many ways, Macau mimics Las Vegas. Its Cotai Strip resembles the one in the States. Also, many of the hotels have opened such in both places, although in Macau, everything is bigger.
There are thousands of slot machines and table games that you can spend countless hours on, watch exclusive shows in-between and dine at some of the best restaurants in the region. Plus, it is considerably cheaper on average compared to Las Vegas, and you get to visit a vastly different and exotic location, depending on where you come from. From its UNESCO historical centre to the monster casinos, a trip to Macau should be on any punter’s itinerary.
Number of Casinos: | 41 |
Types of Games: | Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Boule, Fan Tan, Keno, Sic Bo, Slots, Poker |
Number of Visitors: | 39.4 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,641 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Historic Centre of Macau, A-Ma Temple, City of Dreams, Taipa Village Macau, Casino at Venetian Macau |
Things to Do Around: | Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan |
How to Get There: | Macau International Airport, by sea via ferry, by car from Hong Kong |
Atlantic City – America’s Monopoly City
Making our way back to US soil, the next addition to the list of the most exciting gambling cities is none other than Atlantic City. Las Vegas’s little East Coast brother shouldn’t be underestimated: ask the 27 million annual visitors that visit it. It packs enough casino resorts to leave you wondering which one to choose. Just as an example, the Borgata Casino Resort & Spa packs more than 2000 rooms, 3000+ slot machines, 180+ table games, a shopping mall, bars, restaurants, and event spaces. Does it sound like a resort that is anything less than Las Vegas material?
However, what makes the city a great vacation spot is its ability to entertain guests that don’t necessarily crave the around-the-clock casino craziness. It has beaches, outlet centres, and fantastic restaurants. In addition, it serves as the perfect base for exploring incredible nearby metropolises such as Philly and NYC, as well as hidden gems such as Cape May. Atlantic City is among the largest gambling cities and leisure locations, and there’s simply no denying it.
Number of Casinos: | 9 |
Types of Games: | Casino War, Slots, Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Pai Gow, Craps, Baccarat, Let It Ride |
Number of Visitors: | 27 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,387 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Atlantic City Broadwalk, Borgata Casino, Tanger Outlets Atlantic City, Absecon Lighthouse, Broadwalk Hall |
Things to Do Around: | Cape May, Philadelphia, Smithville, New York |
How to Get There: | Atlantic City International Airport, by land from anywhere within the US |
Singapore – Where Gambling and Luxury Meet
We are sure you’ve heard about Singapore. You’ve seen pictures of its absolutely gorgeous Gardens by the Bay, infinity pool atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and out-of-this-world 3rd airport terminal. However, did you know that with just two casino resorts, the island country manages to bring as much revenue, as other top gambling cities could only dream of? The incredible casinos at Resorts World Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands boast so many slots and table games that your head could spin.
Singapore is among the top banking destinations in the world, and a lot of high rollers are constantly travelling in and out. There won’t be a single night when punters with endless pockets go all-in when thousands, if not millions, are at stake. In addition to its world-class casino offers, you can get the chance to hit the beach, soak in the sun, explore nearby islands and feast your senses with delicious local food. To top it all off with a beautiful sunset view from the infinity pool atop the Marina Bay Sands, with a cocktail in your hand. How does that sound?
Number of Casinos: | 2 |
Types of Games: | Poker, Pontoon, Pai Gow, Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, Si Ki Pi, Tai Sai, Slots |
Number of Visitors: | 19.1 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,676 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, Chinatown, Jewel Changi Airport, Sentosa |
Things to Do Around: | Pualu Ubin, Malacca, Batam, Kuala Lumpur, Johore Bahru |
How to Get There: | Changi Airport, by land from Malaysia, by sea via the port |
Reno – The Biggest Little City in the World
Here we are again, going back to the United States for the 2nd time. You may not have heard of it, let alone be aware that it is among the largest gambling cities, yet it most definitely is. Dubbed as “the biggest little city in the world”, you will find Reno north of Las Vegas, close to the Californian border. With 22 casinos, there are more than 12,600 slot machines and 408 table games. Pretty impressive for one of the best gambling cities, don’t you think?
Nevada is definitely a champion state in terms of US gambling laws with two out of the top 10 biggest gambling cities earning a spot here. Reno’s got what it takes to show you a good time on any of the 22 casino floors. While it doesn’t have the reputation of its big state brother, it will be trice as cheap on your budget to plan a trip here. The numerous natural possibilities for day trips, as well as the proximity to Nevada’s capital – Carson City, earn it extra points.
Number of Casinos: | 22 |
Types of Games: | Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, Blackjack, Pai Gow Tiles, Poker, Slots |
Number of Visitors: | 5 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,578 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | National Automobile Museum, Truckee River Walk, Animal Arc, Reno Riverwalk District, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts |
Things to Do Around: | Lake Tahoe, Ruby Mountains, Carson City, Black Rock Desert, Sand Mountain |
How to Get There: | Reno Tahoe International Airport, by land from within the US |
Aruba – One Happy Island for More Than One Reasons
One of the gambling cities destinations that is an absolute must for every punter is Aruba. Not so much a city, as an entire island nation, this tropical piece of heaven is as dreamy as it can get. The casino resorts are big, luxurious, diverse, and exciting. You can test your skills and luck on all the popular games you’d expect to encounter, all while sipping on a delicious Aruba Ariba. However, the nation’s biggest advantage comes from its tropical location.
Surrounded by the pristine and turquoise waters of the Caribbean, it is the only one of the top gambling cities where you can place high-stakes blackjack bets in the morning then head straight to the beach and snorkel with the abundant marine life in the afternoon. Go sailing or on a catamaran adventure, learn how to jet ski, and soak in on the endless summer sun and mood. And it is all possible right outside the casino resort. It won’t cost you cheap but who would say “No” to a Caribbean casino getaway for a week, anyway?
Number of Casinos: | 13 |
Types of Games: | Blackjack, Craps, 3-Card Poker, 7-Card Stud, Slots, Roulette, Bingo |
Number of Visitors: | 1.9 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$3,643 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Renaissance Island, Aruba Aloe Factory, De Palm Island, Eagle Beach, Natural Pool, Jane Sea |
Things to Do Around: | Catamaran Adventures, Snorkelling, Open-Sea Sailing, Jeep Safari, Jet Ski |
How to Get There: | Queen Beatrix International Airport |
San Jose – The South American Silicon Valley and Gambling Hub
Our next suggestion is among the biggest gambling cities in the world but with a very strong trump card. San Jose is the capital of the lush and always friendly Costa Rica. Many view it as the Silicon Valley of South America but also as its gambling hub. Casino betting is popular across the entire nation. However, it is San Jose that takes the crown with a total of 18 venues. Scattered across the city, in all of them you can play rummy – a national favourite – as well as poker, blackjack, roulette, and slots.
Costa Rica is immensely beautiful and can offer you a lot of unforgettable moments and sights to see. Do not overlook that for the sake of gambling alone. Take your time to explore one of the spectacular volcanos just outside of the city or take a day trip to one of Costa Rica’s national parks. They are bursting with flora and fauna which you will rarely see in the wild anywhere else but here. Did you say sloths? Last but certainly not least, make sure to feast on the local cuisine in between bet sessions. No, really! Eat all the food you can while there.
Number of Casinos: | 18 |
Types of Games: | Rummy, Blackjack, Roulette, Canasta, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Slots |
Number of Visitors: | 1.7 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,578 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Jade Museum, Central Market, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, Parque La Sabana |
Things to Do Around: | Poás and Irazu Volcanos, Monteverde Could Forest, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks, Arenal, Tortuguero |
How to Get There: | Juan Santamaria International Airport, by land with bus/car from Panama and Nicaragua |
London – The Big Smoke Is Big on Gambling, Too
We don’t need to sell you London in any way, because we know that you know quite a lot about it already. It’s among the largest gambling cities not just in terms of venues count, but in sheer scale as well. The capital of England is the beating heart of the entire nation in every possible way, including gambling. It boasts 24 unique casinos that offer the full range of games, with various stakes and bet limits.
We say unique because each casino will offer punters a different gaming experience, dining options, beverages, atmosphere, and game variations. It makes a visit to either one of them totally worth your time and dime. London is an expensive city, and that’s a notorious fact. The money you spend here is money well spent because the city offers an infinite number of possibilities for you to explore the local culture, sightsee, and try tasty food at one of the thousands of international restaurants for all budgets.
Number of Casinos: | 24 |
Types of Games: | Blackjack, Roulette, Let It Ride, Poker, Slots, Baccarat |
Number of Visitors: | 21.7 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$2,634 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Tower of London, The British Museum, Big Ben, Camden Town, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park |
Things to Do Around: | Oxford, Stonehenge, Windsor, Brighton |
How to Get There: | Heathrow, City, Gatwick, Luton International Airports, by land via the English Channel tunnel. |
Paris – The City of Lights and Gambling Temptations
The last entry on our gambling cities list is a destination that you should visit, regardless of anything. The city of light, love, endless romance, wine, cheese, and baguettes is also the one of gambling. While there are around 200 casinos all around France, Paris takes the cake with eight venues, offering a wide range of games, bets, and stakes. It’s nowhere near the scale of Las Vegas, or even London but what Paris lacks in its gambling scene makes up for in the overall city experience.
There is a reason why this gambling city is one of the most visited cities in the world. The Seine, the architecture, the monuments, exquisite cuisine, and the language make for an explosive feast for all your senses. No matter how hardcore you go on your casino habits, the City of Light can accommodate your needs and preferences, and so much more, should you choose to embrace la vie Parisienne.
Number of Casinos: | 8 |
Types of Games: | Poker, Roulette, Slots, Blackjack, Baccarat |
Number of Visitors: | 30 million |
Average Budget for a Visit: | ~$1,578 for 7 days for two |
Top City Attractions: | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Palais Garnier, Montmartre, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris |
Things to Do Around: | Château de Versailles, Fontainebleau, Disneyland Paris, Loire Valley, Giverny |
How to Get There: | Charles de Gaulle and Orly International Airports, by land via bus/car/train from anywhere in Europe |
What Earned the Biggest Gambling Cities Their Reputation?
Each one of the famous gambling cities we’ve listed here is popular for a reason. Mostly, they have shaped to be extremely attractive to punters because of the variety of casinos and games. However, as you are travelling to a different country, there should be more to it than just this experience, at least in our opinion.
The beauty of exploring foreign nations lies in getting to know the local culture, going on adventures that aren’t typical for your part of the world, and savouring on regional culinary treats. Visit the Louvre in Paris, dive in Aruba, hike a volcano in Costa Rica, buy artisanal gifts at Camden Town in London, eat a Portuguese egg tart in Macau. Combine your love of gambling with what makes each country special and go back home with enough memories to last you for a lifetime.
One honourable mention, which is not often regarded as a top gambling destination but it should is the state of Oklahoma. It features one, if not, the biggest casino resort in the world – WinStar World Casino. It is a top destination, definitely worth visiting if you are on the hunt for the top luxurious casino experience.
Things to Be Mindful and Appreciative Of
When you book your next flight ticket, getting all excited about spending the next few days or weeks gambling and exploring the other side of the planet, do keep in mind that you should be mindful and respective of the local culture. The rules could be the same when you are on the casino floor, but once you step outside, you should pay attention to what you do and behave because not everything may be as it is in your hometown.
Read up on the destination in advance and familiarise yourself with local customs, accepted behavioural patterns, things to do, what is frowned upon and what not. By doing so, you can avoid potentially disrespectful situations, unpleasant encounters, and experiences. Nobody wants that. We are where we are to create the good kind of memories, so let’s be prepared, and reduce the bad ones to the bare minimum, even inside the casinos.
It’s Cool to Gamble but Be Responsible
Even though gambling is your primary reason to venture to any of the biggest gambling cities in the world, you should always play your favourite games, responsibly. Often, you won’t even realise that you are overstepping the thin boundary that exists between it being a hobby and becoming something more serious than that. Gambling addiction is a real thing, and it can have a devastating effect on one’s personal life.
Luckily, visiting a foreign country could limit your exposure to the gambling floor, should you allow it to, which you should, because what’s the point of going there in the first place? When we say casino floor we mean all kinds of it, regardless if we are talking about hitting the best PayPal casino sites online or the venue next door. Otherwise, here are a few useful methods that can help you out, should you feel like you need help or assistance in any way.
- Explore More – You are in a foreign and/or exotic destination. Take the most out of it and soak in as much as you can. Visit museums, go to restaurants, do what the locals are doing. Take your mind off of all things gambling and go outside.
- Refer to Casino Staff for Assistance – If you feel like you are overspending, you can approach the staff at the venue and seek assistance from them. They can refer you to an organisation that can help you out.
- Seek Help from an Organisation – Scour the internet and search for an organisation that deals explicitly with gambling issues. It could be an international one because they have around-the-clock hotlines
The Perks of Going Abroad to Gamble
You get much to brag about when you visit one of the famous gambling cities and countries. For starters, you get to see how venues around the world look like: what the environment is like, how punters are treated, are the local customs influencing the gambling world in any way? Also, you are in a foreign culture! Take the time to really appreciate it and create even more memories. Here’s a list of perks that come along with the journey:
- Gamble Internationally – Bragging rights that you have gotten the chance to experience foreign casinos always look good in your personal list of accomplishments
- Explore the World – People say that nothing makes a human richer than travelling so what better way to combine both in one single trip?
- Make Friends Around the World – People make up for a big part of an experience and making friends around the world could give your life a whole new meaning.
- Expand Your Horizons and Knowledge – Learn new things about the local culture, get new tips that you can implement in your blackjack strategy, enrich your taste palette. The list can go on and on.
Conclusion – Gambling Abroad Is Worth the Flight Ticket
In conclusion, we can only encourage you to visit one of the top-rated gambling cities in the world. It will be an exhilarating adventure for sure, should you choose to combine the best of both worlds. Many international cities can offer you countless hours of casino action, and each one has the privilege of having its own unique way of attracting punters to it. You decide if you want to make as much out of it, as humanly possible.
Frequent Questions Easily Answered
In the last section of this article, we will turn to the most frequently asked questions regarding the topic and give each one of them a short and informative answer. Give them a quick skim and see if you’ll notice something else that was left unanswered.