Gambling Capitals of the World

With luxurious decorations, excellent customer service, world-class hospitality, and of course, the thrill of high stakes gambling, it is no surprise that 26% of the entire world population enjoys all that casinos have to offer. While a smaller percentage of this demographic of casino enthusiasts prefer the comfort and convenience that online gambling has to offer, there are many cities all around the world that have built a reputation around land-based gambling.

If you think of Las Vegas, you may immediately think of the famous Strip lined with the bright neon lights of the many famous casinos that draw about 42 million tourists every year. In fact, the city has built itself around its casinos so much so that it is difficult to think of anything else the city may be known for.

While Las Vegas and Atlantic City may be two of the best-known gambling capitals of the world, let us explore some other cities that can be added to this list and perhaps even to your bucket list.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Let’s just get this one out of the way. This is not a surprise to anybody. While it might not be everybody’s personal taste as Las Vegas tends to come off a bit ostentatious. Las Vegas is very much to the gambling industry what Lewis Hamilton is to Formula One. Everybody may not like him, but you know that at the end of the day he will come out on top.

With almost 150 casinos in Las Vegas, this over-the-top, extravagant, and frankly brash city is sure to keep any gambling enthusiast occupied and endlessly entertained.

2. Monte Carlo, Monaco

A personal favourite, with all its class, sophistication and glamour, Monte Carlo has become a playground for the rich and famous. From supermodels and Formula One drivers to Grammy award winners and A-list actors – this beautiful and historic city attracts everybody who is anybody with its breath-taking casinos dating back to the 19th century.

If you are fortunate enough, then fuel up your Feadship yacht, grab your black chips and hit the Casino de Monte Carlo and as they would say in this billionaires’ playground “quel chemin vers les tables de blackjack?”

3. Macau, China

If you are not aware of the gambling situation in Macau, prepare to be dazzled. This wealthy city has been attracting more and more wealthy elites for a few nights of adrenaline-filled gambling at one of their 41 casinos.

Interestingly enough, more money flows through the casinos in Macau than anywhere else in the world - even more than in Las Vegas. This is why many Las Vegas based gambling companies, including Las Vegas Sands, MGM and Wynn Resorts have all flocked to this gambling capital of the world.

4. Ontario, Canada

The first thing that may come to your mind when you think of Ontario is probably Niagara Falls. However, what you may not be aware of is that in Ontario there are a total of 71 casinos. That is, however, not the only reason why Ontario is on this list. Overall, Canada has the biggest market for online casino gambling in the world. In fact, almost 75% of Canadians are known to enjoy this pastime and the country has become known for its gambling freedom.

If that doesn’t make this beautiful, hockey-loving, maple-syrup-manufacturing country one of the top gambling capitals of the world then we don’t know what will.

5. Marina Bay, Singapore

The second Asian city to make the list of the biggest gambling capitals of the world is of course Marina Bay in Singapore. The signature skyline of Mariana Bay virtually consists of only the Marina Bay Sands. This beautiful building which includes over 2,500 hotel rooms also features the largest atrium casino in the world with an unbelievable 1,600 slots and 500 table games. If that isn’t enough, the resort also features multiple swimming pools, shops, spas, celebrity chef restaurants and nightclubs. In fact, we cannot think of any reason one would ever leave the stunning Marina Bay Sands.

6. Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Another US city famous for its casinos is of course, Atlantic City. Whenever we think of Atlantic City, we may think mini-Vegas – but maybe that is just a few of us? Much like Vegas the Eastern shore city seems to have almost been built around its contributions to the gambling industry and features many exciting casinos, including the world-famous Caesars.

7. San Jose, Costa Rica

We bet you did not expect to see this one on the list of gambling capitals of the world. With 18 casinos that are known for their affordability and variety it was the perfect candidate for our top 10 destinations. Beyond the promise of entertaining and memorable gambling adventures, the historic city offers an array of world-class museums, beautiful buildings with rich histories, theatres, hotels, and not far from the city you are able to visit majestic volcanoes and seemingly endless hills of green.

8. Paris, France

Oui, beau Paris! This historic city has more to offer than the promise of romance, history and culture. It should not come as a surprise that the French enjoy gambling seeing as the roulette wheel was invented in France back in the 17th century.

So, why not hit the roulette tables at the Aviation Club de France and sip on a glass of fine cognac and "Faites Vos jeux" – or simply “place your bets” if you still need to brush up on your French.

9. Paradise Island & Nassau, Bahamas

A list of gambling capitals of the world really looks a lot like a list of top vacation spots, doesn’t it? What is the only thing that can make white sandy beaches and refreshing cocktails with those tiny umbrellas any better? That is right, evenings filled with exciting gambling at the Crystal Palace Casino. It really does sound like the perfect vacation!

10. London, UK

Last but not least, we have London. While the city may be known for its Royal Family, Big Ben and banking – London actually has more than 25 casinos. Located in Leicester Square, you will find the largest casino in London – The Empire. This spectacular Vegas-style casino offers gambling facilities to everybody, whether it is a curious tourist, cheeky student or high roller. Everybody will find a suitable table at this stunning casino where you might just spot a royal.

If one of these exciting gambling capitals of the world didn’t make your bucket list, then it must be because you have already visited them all. If you haven’t though, you may be asking “where to first?”. How is one expected to choose between all these amazing cities? Guess we'll just have to visit them all!