Best Gambling Places In The World
The 7 Best Casino Gambling Destinations in the World By Michael Stevens in Casino & Gaming on July 8, 2016 Though airfare has certainly increased the past several years there are generally more flights per destination than ever. Costa Rica is gambling potty. This small country has more than 30 casinos, many of them in San Jose. They attract savvy American tourists who come to spend less, but get that same Vegas high. For a minimum spend of 60p ($1 in local currency) you’ll get free drinks while playing in most of the nation’s casinos. Casino de Monte Carlo (Monaco) The casino was built in 1863 and still is one of the main attractions for tourists in Monaco. The casino had a dramatic impact on Monte Carlo’s reputation to be one of the best places to gamble at in Europe. The Casino Monte Carlo was designed by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Opera House in Paris.
Gambling has been prevalent since as early as the 11th century, with many forms of gambling being invented ever since. Its almost human nature for humans to gamble on just about everything, with the thrill of winning incomparable to anything else.
As we progress further down the 21st century, the world of Gambling is expanding at an unexpectedly high pace. With countries all over the world relaxing their gambling laws to take advantage of its huge popularity amongst the masses, new gambling-obsessed countries have overtaken the traditional heavyweights in the gambling charts.
- Have you ever wondered which are the most gambling-obsessed nations of the world?
- Did you know that the average Australian adult loses approximately $1300 per year due to gambling ?
- Were you aware that France has more than 300 casinos located in its mainland, more than any other nation ?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, as we have prepared a detailed list of the biggest gambling inclined countries in the world, with a special measuring term of “average yearly gambling loss per person “, in order to get a better idea of just how fanatic the locals of each country are about gambling, be it in casinos, or sports betting, or individual slots and nationwide lotteries.
1. France
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Source : Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $350
Population : 66.9 million
Area : 212,900 square miles
France is one of the larger countries of Europe, and is famous for its casinos spread over several prominent cities such as Paris and Cannes. There are more than 300 casinos in the wealthy country, and high rollers from different walks of life indulge in extensive casino gambling. Apart from Casinos, sports betting is also very prominent in the country, with several mega sporting events being held there every year such as The French Open, the Rugby Six Nations tournament and The Tour De France, along with high profile horse races such as Chantily and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Poker is also very popular in the country, with some of the best poker players in the world hailing from France. There are more than 170 poker tables across the country and some have extremely high stakes for the highest of rollers.
The gambling laws in France are relatively relaxed, ensuring that the high tourism ratio in the country is also well integrated with the gambling industry.
2. USA
Continent : North America
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting/ Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $330
Population : 323 million
Area : 3.7 million square miles.
USA is one of the largest and most powerful countries in the world, with a stable economy and overall higher level of development than most other nations. The third most populated country is also a global hub of sports, with several American sports often overshadowing global sports in terms of money and popularity. The Americans love to bet on sports, with events such as the NBA Finals, The NFL Superbowl, the Major League Baseball finals. The NHL finals etc overseeing bets of billions of dollars in total, much more than any other country. As a whole. The United States saw about $117 billion lost to gambling last year, although their per person gambling loss isn’t as high as some other countries.
Apart from sports betting, some of the world’s largest and most extravagant casinos lie in USA, none more so than in Las Vegas, the world’s gambling haven. There are more than a hundred casinos located in Las Vegas alone, with billions of dollars exchanging hands every single week. Americans also love their fair share of lottery tickets, with several state sponsored lotto competitions in the running.
3. Monaco
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Casinos
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $320
Population : 38,400
Area : 0.78 square miles
Monaco is a tiny independent state bordered by France on 3 sides, with the 4th side adjoining the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring a lovely climate and serene views. Despite its small size, Monaco is the recreational and sporting hub of Europe, especially its cultural center Monte-Carlo. The beautiful city boasts of some of the most amazing casinos in the world, most notably the Casino De Monte-Carlo, a true man made wonder and one of the most popular gambling avenues in the world.
Many major international events such as The Monaco Grand Prix (The most prestigious F1 race on the circuit), World Championship Boxing matches, European PGA tours, as well as the European Poker Tour Grand final take place in Monte Carlo every year. Gambling overall is the primary contributor to the region’s bustling economy.
Monte-Carlo is synonymous with extravagance and outrageous displays of wealth, a sign, which is a huge boost for its gambling industry. The city is full of glamour and luxury, and Monaco as an independent state fully relies on gambling sources and tourism for its economic stability.
4. Singapore
Continent : Asia
Preferred Gambling Method : Casinos / Football Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $1100
Population : 5.6 million
Area : 277 square miles
Singapore is a tiny, yet powerful island country located in South East Asia. With one of the strongest economies in the world, Singapore is a wealthy nation with a remarkably high number of millionaires per 100 citizens. This explosion of wealth led the government to look into more avenues and they finally agreed to legalize certain forms of gambling in the country. Singapore Pools, a state sponsored lottery organization operational since 1968, was permitted to begin sports betting as well, leading to a huge response from the football-loving nation. Whether it’s the S-League or the English Premier League, every football match is keenly watched and analyzed by the local bettors and millions of dollars are won and lost every week.
Apart from Singapore Pools, the country also allowed 2 major casinos to be operational recently i.e. Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands. The Marina Bay Sands casino is one the biggest and most expensive casinos in the world, with over 2500 gaming machines spread over 6 interior branches. Multi-millionaires can be seen here every week playing with very high stakes, as the country also has one of the highest annual gambling losses per person in the world.
5. Canada
Continent : North America
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $568
Population : 36.29 million
Area : 3.8 million square miles
The second largest nation in the world, Canada is a highly developed and a wealthy nation. Regularly rates as one of the best places to live with the highest quality of life, Canada’s economy is booming and people are friendly and satisfied with their lives. With wealth in abundance, Canadians often prefer to indulge in lotteries and sports betting, for fun as well as to earn some extra dough. Lottery is almost an addiction for Canadians, with a study finding out that more than 75% of adult Canadians have gambled in some form at least once in their lives. Many scratch and win games are also extremely popular in the region, and its common practice for parents to include lottery tickets attached to Christmas presents for their kids, implying that lottery is a big part of the family culture in the country.
Canadians are also very obsessed with all American sports, especially Ice Hockey, which sees millions of dollars gambled on NHL results every single year. Many other winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding tournaments also attract many exclusive betting markets.
6. Australia
Continent : Australia / Oceania
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Slot machines
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $1288
Population : 24.13 million
Area : 2.97 million square miles
Australia is the most powerful country in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with great stability and a huge emphasis put on recreation. Almost 80% of adult Australians are known to indulge in some form of gambling, unsurprisingly, considering the country’s healthy economy and high quality of life, leading to overall satisfaction. The country has many casinos, with New South Wales in particular boasting of a mammoth 100,000 poker machines to keep gamblers hooked. Slot machines are extremely popular amongst Aussies and can be found all over the land.
Apart from casinos, Australia is one of the leading nations when it comes to sports. With cricket and Aussie rules football being followed religiously, the sports betting market is one of the biggest in the world. Apart from that, major international sporting events such as The Australian Open and the Ashes cricket series have their own exclusive betting markets.
7. Ireland
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $588
Population : 4.7 million
Area : 27,100 square miles
The Republic Of Ireland is a passionate sporting nation off the coast of England, with citizens known to be extremely vocal about their sporting passions. Football, rugby and horseracing are among the most popular sports out in this country and followed ferociously. The ‘lad’ culture as its called, involves young Irish men often consuming large quantities of alcohol, before betting large sums of money on sports and then supporting their respective teams. This saw the emergence of Paddy Power, one of the biggest online betting firms in the world, which accepts bets on almost everything under the sun. The emergence of global superstar Connor McGregor has single-handedly revolutionized the sports betting culture in Ireland.
The casino industry in the country is unregulated, as an old gambling law from 1956 is still under use. Casinos are not very reputed in the region yet revelers find their way up to trusted sources and end up paying massive amounts of money, with the average Irish gambling loss per person recorded at $588 for the year.
8. Greece
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Slots
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $420
Population : 10.75 million
Area : 50,950 square miles
Greece is one of the most important historic countries in the world. With some of the most remarkable ancient monuments still standing, Greece was once the most prosperous and developed land on this planet, with a rich culture and varied traditions. The ancient Greeks were among the first men to begin gambling of any sorts, and that carried down through various kingdoms over the centuries.
The modern day Greece, however, is a far-cry from its rich history, with the country in crippling debts running into billions of dollars in recent years. However, that has done nothing to curb the nation’s youth from blowing away their savings on gambling, with the average annual loss per Greek citizen almost $420. The country has 1 casino each in 8 major cities, with the biggest one being Regency Casino Mont Parnes, with more than 700 slots and game machines, the biggest attraction for the locals. Apart from casinos, they also indulge in large scale football betting, and the government is trying hard to curb these activities to prevent addiction.
9. Spain
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Sports Betting / Lottery
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $418
Population : 46.5 million
Area : 195,364 square miles
Spain is one of the most culturally rich countries in the region, with a deep and colorful history when it comes to gambling, involving many former emperors and their families. Spaniards are historically very obsessed with any form of lottery and luck-oriented games. Gambling in the country was only legalized in 1981, but had been going on for centuries unregulated. The country’s famous Christmas lottery “El Gordo”, awards prizes up to a mammoth $1 billion. It is estimated that almost 80% adult Spaniards purchase the tickets of this particular lottery every year.
Spain is also a heavyweight when it comes to sporting events. 3 of the best football clubs in the world operate in the country with passionate fans betting huge sums on them. Major international events such as the Spanish Grand Prix and the Madrid Masters attract a lot of bettors as well. Millions of dollars are staked in traditional bullfights every year as well, taking the overall gambling loss per person to $418 per year on average.
10. Italy
Best Gambling Places In The World United States
Continent : Europe
Preferred Gambling Method : Slots / Roulette / Baccarat
Annual Gambling Loss Per Person : $517
Population : 60.6 million
Area : 116,300 square miles
Italy has a very rich gambling history, with many innovators and inventors of certain casino games originating from Italy. For example, the game of Baccarat is an Italian creation, played at the first ever state sanctioned casino in Venice, way back in the 17th century. The famous roulette systems like the Fibonacci were also invented by Italian gamblers.
Best Gambling Places In The World Series
The country’s gambling laws were relaxed significantly in 2008, and since then the industry has seen a major surge. Italians are primarily obsessed with slot machines, and the country’s gambling revenue in 2013 was as high as $23.9 billion, the highest in Europe, and more than half of that is attributed to slot machines. Milan and Venice are the primary gambling cities in Italy, with 15 elegant casinos between them. Italians are also very passionate about sports, particularly football. The Rome Masters tennis tournament also attracts high profile bettors, along with certain elegant horse races.
Though airfare has certainly increased the past several years there are generally more flights per destination than ever. And with airlines and hoteliers competing online there are still affordable ways for the mobile gambler to get out and test the waters at some of the more popular casinos in the world.
In this post we are going to introduce seven of the best gambling and casino destinations in the world. Some of these you may be well aware of. Others perhaps less so. Hopefully you will find at least one location you will consider worth putting some coin aside for and visiting soon as possible.
There are over 1500 casinos in the United States alone. To put this into some perspective there are roughly as many casinos in the US as there are in the rest of the world combined. We have chosen two American destinations for our list that likely don’t come at any surprise. Outside the US gaming is expanding rapidly. We introduce two Asian locations, both of which have risen within the past decade to dominate global casino revenues.
1. Las Vegas
First off at the top of the list is the world’s de facto gambler Mecca, otherwise known as the “city of lights” and, of course, “sin city”. Each year, Las Vegas Strip casinos take in over $6 Billion, $118 Million of which from poker alone. If you went last year you would have been one of the over 42.3 Million to have taken in the lights and sights of the world’s most celebrated gaming industry. What makes that figure more impressive is the fact that, outside of conventions, there really is no other reason for visiting Las Vegas than the Strip.
And gaming is not the only thing on tap. The intense competition for gambling dollars has created immense investment by casinos in entertainment attractions, each outdoing the other in lavishness and spectacle. Las Vegas is synonymous with its glamorous showgirls and entertainers like the Rat Pack and Wayne Newton, spectacular fountains, pyramids and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Recently, Cirque du Soleil has established a permanent presence and can be seen year-round, performing their peerless brand of gymnastics that can take your breath away.
However, should you find yourself looking for diversions from the gaming tables or your funds are getting low, Las Vegas is not without options. If you weigh over 350 pounds you may eat for free at the Heart Attack Grill restaurant. Be sure to inquire about their triple deck cheese and bacon burger! Elsewhere, you can fire off a grenade launcher, twice, for $40. And there is a heavy-equipment playground where you can drive bulldozers.
2. Macau (also spelt Macao)
Located next to Hong Kong on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, Macau was a colony of the Portuguese Empire until it was returned over to China in 1999. Though officially under Chinese rule, Macau has retained a high degree of autonomy and has used it to established itself as one of the world’s richest cities.
In 2006, Macau became the world’s largest gaming center, with 2015 gaming revenue reaching over $28.3 Billion. You won’t have to worry about find a game, as Macau casinos contain in total nearly 6000 gaming tables.
Though the US gaming industry remains atop casino gambling revenues by country, Macau is the home of the eight most lucrative gaming houses worldwide. Number one on that list is the Galaxy Macau, with a 2014 revenue of US$5.85 Billion, almost as much as the entire Las Vegas Strip combined!
Near the equator, Macau’s climate is temperate, with a yearly average of 72 °F. If you like the heat and don’t mind the humidity Macau’s summer temperatures routinely reach over 80 °F. If that is too for you then January temperatures average a much more manageable 58 °F. Whichever you prefer the Macau’s tourist infrastructure is fully modern so you can expect your stay to be comfortable.
3. Atlantic City
The United State’s other famous gambling destination is Atlantic City, and is perhaps a more reclined counterpart to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. A small resort town with a population of 39 000, Atlantic City has charm to spare with its casinos, oceanside beaches and of course, the world famous Boardwalk.
There are eight casinos in Atlantic City. The largest and newest is the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, with 3153 slot machines and 263 gaming tables. The Borgata also claims to have the winningest slots in the both the Atlantic City and Pennsylvania gaming markets.
A true tourist destination, Atlantic City proves it is not just about the gambling. The Atlantic City area is home to seven of the state’s top ten ranked golf courses and is among the top three world-class venues for hosting marquee boxing events. And of course there is the aforementioned Boardwalk. Built in 1870, the Atlantic City Boardwalk is ranked by National Geographic as the best in the US.
4. Monte Carlo
The history and legend of the Monte Carlo casino speaks for itself. Perched on the shores of the Mediterranean, the Monte Carlo remains peerless in its reputation for sophistication and luxurious gaming.
While the casino has retained its rich decour that has made it so famous it has sought to keep up with technological advances in the gaming industry. As such, you are able to play slot machines both classic and modern. In its gaming suites, Monte Carlo offers European, and English, Roulettes, Trente et Quarante, Black Jack, and the universally popular Texas Hold’em Poker.
While most casinos are closed and cavernous environments where gamblers are encouraged to lose track of time and the outside world, the summertime Salle Blanche & Terrasse offers table play with its matchless view over the Riviera.
Outside the casino, Monte Carlo offers a wide variety of events and activities. Festivals occur year-round. Day and night tours provide you with expert guides. One favorite is a short (one half hour) or day long tour with a professional driver and Lamborghini.
5. Baden-Baden
Located in the German Rhineland and just north of the university city of Heidelberg, Baden-Baden is special for those attracted to old-world opulence. The history of the town is very old, used over millennia for its special healing mineral spas.
The ornate casino was established over 200 years ago and designed as a French palace, with large chandeliers, gold details and lush, red velvet drapes. Its heyday may have been in the 19th century when it was popular with European nobility and elite classes from around the world. Currently, while still providing the richness of its heritage, you will find over 100 slots and two dozen gaming tables offering Black Jack, Poker, Roulette and Baccarat.
Situated in the Rebland Wine Region and near the Black Forest National Park, Baden-Baden offers quality dining, shopping districts.
6. Singapore
Opened in 2010, Singapore’s two casinos ranks it fourth in world-wide gaming revenues, between Canada and Australia. The Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa round out the top ten casinos in the world, with 2015 revenues of US$2.57 and US$1.76 respectively.
The largest of the two, the Marina Bay Sands, with its iconic and immediately recognizable three-towers motif, asserts itself on the Singaporean Marina Bay skyline. The Sands offers 160 000 square feet of space, filled with 700 tables and 2500 machines over four floors and 24 hour access, with dress code.
Fully modernized, and alongside the traditional gaming tables and slots, the Sands offers Rapid Table Games, with touch screens and computerized waging that offer Baccarat, Roulette and Sic-Bo. Note to poker players: other than Singapore Stud, poker is not available at the Sands. The Sands also offers the famous 3 acre Avalon Sands Skypark.
The smaller of the two in size, the Resorts World Casino Sentosa still provides almost as many tables and machines as the Sands. The Sentosa can also be somewhat pricier, with rooms up to $1200.
Once a Dutch colony, the trade-routes port maintains its rich cultural background in its main historic districts of Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown and Orchard Road. The ArtScience Museum is over 49000 square feet and hosts exhibits that merge science and technology with art and design.
7. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has two casinos. The Casino Niagara, the first permanent casino to open in the province of Ontario, offers 95 000 square feet of floor space spread out over two stories, which includes 1500 slots machines and 45 gaming tables – including 12 poker tables – and sports betting. The Niagara also offers weekly live entertainment, a comedy club and several venues for dining and drinks.
The Fallsview Casino Resort is an impressive, $1 Billion complex, adding its prominence to the Niagara skyline in 2004. The Fallsview boasts 200 000 square feet of gaming space, including over 100 gaming tables and over 3000 slots.
The Fallsview has a premiere reputation for world-calibre live acts, a luxury hotel and spa facilities, brand name shopping and exquisite dining. And, as its name suggests, the Fallsview offers a wonderful window upon the magnificence of the Horseshoe Falls. The Fallsview hotel contains 374 rooms alongside a spa area of 15 000 square feet.
Niagara Falls’ attractions include Queen Victoria Park, The Maid of the Mist tour (which takes you behind the Falls), Skylon Tower and Pavilion with revolving restaurant and observation deck overlooking the Falls, a Butterfly Conservatory, Wax Museums and Marine Land. The Niagara area also continues to establish its reputation as a world-class golf destination.
Long known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, Niagara Falls has been a favorite destination of newlyweds for generations. With its world-class casino and gaming facilities it is a fun-filled destination for couples who share an enthusiasm for gaming.
Conclusion
The global casino and gaming industry and culture is currently booming and there are many world-class venues and locations to choose from, depending on your tastes and interests. Gaming revenues provide enormous tax benefits for the host governments. This importance to local economies has brought ruling powers on board with the industry, creating a standardization the world over. This standardization seeks to ensure that gaming centers as diverse as Macau or Niagara Falls develop and maintain reputations for providing gaming tourists with nothing less than a fantastic experience.
Which ever venue catches your attention, I hope this list has provided a few ideas for where to go for your next gaming adventure.
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