Gambling abroad? These are the best places to do it

Do you have a hunger for adventure but also enjoy a round or two at the poker table? Who says you can’t do both?! Casino tourism has developed considerably in recent years, changing the face of the industry entirely. What were once considered seedy establishments to frequent have been transformed into glittering entertainment complexes and resorts.

For those who can’t head off on a tour of the very best casinos around the world, you can enjoy international casinos from the comfort of your home or hotel! That’s right… online casinos have opened up a whole new world for gambling aficionados to experience the cream of the crop from anywhere, anytime. Visiting Ireland and hoping to experience the best online casinos in Ireland? Hop onto one of the many premium online casinos and encounter the luck of the Irish!

Alright, now for our trip around the world exploring the best gambling destinations to add to your bucket list.

1.   Cape Town

This may seem like an unlikely destination to top our list, but Cape Town offers an extremely glamorous gambling scene. South Africans are well known for their warm hospitality and friendly natures, which creates the perfect, relaxed atmosphere for gaming. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the sprawling Grand West Casino complex with its 2,000+ slot machines and 54 tables. The casino also offers family-friendly entertainment, including a cinema, ice rink, laser tag arena, arcade, bowling, and kids club.

There are also several sports betting bars around the city where you can place high-stakes wagers on your favorite local and international teams. Over and above the gaming entertainment offerings, Cape Town offers exquisite natural beauty with mountain ranges and an expansive coastline. Hike up the iconic Table Mountain, visit the penguins at Boulders Bay or sip a fancy cocktail overlooking the harbor at the V&A Waterfront.

2.   Monte Carlo

No list of the top gambling destinations would ever be complete without a mention of Monte Carlo, which, in our opinion, is the ultimate in casino tourism. The opulent city is the personification of glamor and wealth, and a playground for the rich and famous. Casino de Monte-Carlo is the most famous of its casino offerings with slot machines, poker, blackjack tables and so much more. In addition, it is also the home of the city’s opera and ballet companies, creating a true entertainment paradise for all who visit.

For Formula One fans, Monaco is also a hub for racing events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix.

3.   Johannesburg

Another South African city making it onto our list is the cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg. As the economic heart of the country, Johannesburg is known to attract the super wealthy and is home to many of South Africa’s most famous faces. Johannesburg boasts two world-class casinos: Montecasino and Gold Reef City. Montecasino is located in Fourways close to the posh suburb of Sandton City and is built to resemble an ancient Tuscan village. From extraordinary, painted ceilings to a hotel, theater and entertainment complex, you’ll enjoy a premium gambling experience here.

Gold Reef City is located further south of Johannesburg and is a 24-hour entertainment paradise. The casino itself offers exceptional variety in terms of games, while the complex has non-stop fun on offer. Visit an old gold mine, dig for precious stones or hop onto a thrilling roller coaster at the theme park.

4.   Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas – the ultimate casino destination! Famous in pop culture for its party scene and endless entertainment on the strip, it’s truly a gambling kingdom. Everywhere you turn, you will find a new casino to visit. From the iconic Caesars Palace to the Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand, you’ll find it hard to run out of new casinos to explore!

These casinos also don’t mess around when it comes to what’s on offer. For example, Caesars Palace has over 1,300 slot and electronic poker machines and 185 table games for your enjoyment. The MGM Grand, on the other hand, boasts over 2,500 slot machines as one of the largest casinos in all of Vegas.

5.   Prague

The captivating capital city of the Czech Republic offers an enticing blend of historical charm and vibrant nightlife. You will find several luxury casinos nestled amid the beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets, with the most well-known being Rebuy Stars Casino Luka. Immerse yourself in the world of high-stakes gambling at the poker table or play blackjack or a heart-thumping game of roulette.

The casinos in Prague offer top-notch facilities, which include a selection of gourmet restaurants, live entertainment and lavish accommodations. Whether you’re a gambling veteran or simply keen to try your luck in a new city, Prague’s casino tourism scene promises an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. 

6.   Atlantic City

Along New Jersey’s unassuming coastline lies Atlantic City and its iconic boardwalk, the United States premiere casino destination on the Eastern Seaboard. The city offers a diverse range of casino experiences that attract millions of visitors each year. Its casino scene is anchored by a collection of world-class resorts that line the famous boardwalk and include the likes of Caesars, Borgata and the Tropicana. These resorts offer an extensive selection of gaming options for every taste and budget. Try your best strategies at various table games such as blackjack, roulette and craps, or enjoy the array of slot machines that fill the casino floor.

In addition to exceptional gambling facilities, Atlantic City’s casinos are renowned for offering luxurious facilities and entertainment venues. Indulge in fine dining at award-winning restaurants, enjoy live performances by some of the most famous faces in music and comedy or unwind at the many luxury spas tucked into the resorts.

The city offers a wealth of additional attractions and activities for you to enjoy. The five-mile boardwalk is the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or an afternoon of people watching. You’ll also find upscale shopping malls, a championship golf course and beautiful beaches to keep you busy while in town. 

7.   Italy

You may be surprised to discover that Italy is home to one of the largest casinos in the world. Casino di Campione d’Italia is the oldest and largest casino in Europe, with origins that date back as far as 1917. As you can imagine, this makes it a major attraction for tourists looking for the thrill of gambling in a city rich in history and natural charm. The casino is nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano in an enclave surrounded by Switzerland, making it a unique and sought-after location for casino tourism.

It boasts an array of gaming options, including brand-new slot machines, poker, blackjack and roulette. Take a break in between games to take in the breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains to top off a once-in-a-lifetime casino experience.

8.   Barcelona

As the vibrant capital city of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona seamlessly fuses history and architecture with the modern trappings of casino entertainment. You’ll find several world-class casinos in the city that cater to both locals and tourists looking for a thrill.

Casino Barcelona is one of the most popular casinos in the city, located in the trendy Port Olimpic area. This stunning waterfront casino offers a wide range of table games, such as blackjack, poker and baccarat. It also houses a vast selection of slot machines for all interests and budgets. The casino hosts regular poker tournaments, attracting players from around the world.

Apart from the main attraction, the city is home to smaller-scale casinos and gambling establishments. These venues offer a more intimate and laidback atmosphere, providing an alternative experience for those visiting the area specifically for the casino scene. These venues include:

• Golden Park
• Bingo Billares
• Barcelona-Sants

Beyond casinos, Barcelona offers a wealth of activities that adds to its attraction as a premiere gambling destination. You’ll find many iconic landmarks in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum and Casa Batlló. You can also enjoy leisurely walks along the vibrant streets of Las Ramblas or explore the charming Gothic Quarter.

The nightlife in Barcelona is also not to be missed as there are no shortage of nightclubs, bars and lounges to frequent. Of course, the restaurants are also fabulous with traditional tapas and exquisite seafood dishes being the highlight of any night out.

Conclusion

There are so many amazing casino destinations to explore across the globe. From the friendly atmosphere in Cape Town across the pond to the glittering world of Monte Carlo’s most famous casino, these are must-see places for any casino enthusiast to visit.