Are you feeling lucky? If you’re ready to take your chances on the kind of excitement that a roll of the dice brings, then perhaps a casino vacation is in the cards for you. There are some amazing destinations around the world that offer thrilling gaming action, bright lights, fun nightlife, and access to luxury casino resorts.
These places offer plenty of slot machines and felt tables with poker, blackjack, and roulette games. But they also have plenty of things to see and do outside the casino too, which is essential if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t share your passion for high stakes and big risks.
We’ve taken the chance out of travel planning because here are some of the top travel destinations with the best casinos.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the mecca for gambling enthusiasts, with so many casinos it would be impossible to visit them all in just one trip. There’s excitement in the air as you walk among the neon lights and feel the energy of the hopeful crowds around you. There are lots of live entertainment shows, concerts, nightclubs, high-end restaurants, and all-you-can-eat buffets here too. As long as you don’t lose everything you came with, Vegas can be a very budget-friendly destination. With a wide array of hotel options, you can put down what you saved at your favorite casino here. Some of the many casinos in Vegas include Caesar’s Palace, Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, MGM Grand, and Treasure Island.
Macau, China
Macau has been compared to Monte Carlo, which is another amazing casino destination. There are long stretches of casinos here, which makes Macau the top casino destination in all of Asia. Casinos are the backbone of Macau’s tourist economy, and famous ones include Macau Palace Casino, Lisboa Casino, and Galaxy Waldo Casino. This is also a fun place to experience the nightlife scene because many of the shops, restaurants, and casinos are open 24 hours a day. Take some time to wander around the city’s winding streets, the main square known as Largo do Senado, and along the waterfront avenues near Nam Van or Outer Harbor. Golf, go-karting, horse and greyhound racing, amusement attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Rua S. Domingo street lined with bars and also popular here.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Another huge place in the U.S. for casinos is Atlantic City, which also offers great deals to tourists for accommodations. This town has lots to see and do outside of the casinos, including a fun boardwalk to stroll along and plenty of fine dining restaurants to indulge in your casino vacation. One of the most popular casinos is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario, Canada
The stunning Niagara Falls takes the win for the top attraction in this area, but it has also become known as a great casino destination. Take the boat ride while wearing your poncho down by the falls, and then come back up to see the flashier side of Niagara. This is a unique place where you can cross over between the U.S. side and the Canadian side of the falls to experience casinos on both sides. Just bring your passport! Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is on the U.S. side, and Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino are on the Canadian side.
Salzburg, Austria
Most people don’t think of casinos when they plan a trip to Austria, but this city by the Alps is a wonderful place to visit for people who enjoy playing games. This is an ideal destination for gamblers who also enjoy history and architecture here because the Baroque-era buildings add a European elegance to the entire experience. Casino Salzburg is open every day except December 24th and is also known for its culinary delights at the renovated Klessheim Castle. This particular casino first opened in 1934, but closed down during World War II and reopened in 1950. Baden Bei Wien is another great casino destination in Austria.
Reno, Nevada
Reno is sometimes considered to be the smaller and younger sibling of Las Vegas, but this Nevada town has plenty to offer for casino-lovers in its own right. In fact, Reno was more popular for its casinos before Las Vegas took over that top spot. It’s often more affordable to stay and play in Reno than in Vegas, and you don’t have to fight through as many tourist crowds here either. Reno is an easy drive from California, and there are lots of outdoor adventure activities nearby to check out once you’ve had your fill of the casino scene.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
For a dose of glitz and glamour with your gambling, head to Monte Carlo on the coast of Monaco. This area gained wealth and prominence from the casino industry and still has a rich tradition of gaming and high stakes fun. It was also made famous by the James Bond movies, and it is ideal for players seeking pure luxury and willing to splurge. One of the biggest perks of coming here for your casino vacation is its stunning Mediterranean landscapes and beautiful scenery. Other events, like the Formula One Grand Prix and the Rolex Masters, make this an amazing destination both inside and outside the casino.
Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is another great Caribbean destination to get your fair share of sun, sand, and gambling. This is the quickest and easiest island to get to off the mainland of Florida, so it’s just a quick flight or cruise ship ride to gambling paradise. The big casino to visit here is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which has hosted a huge poker tournament, the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure. It also has a seven-acre lagoon and impressive glass sculptures.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Along America’s southern coast, you’ll find great gaming in Biloxi. There are multiple casino resorts in this Gulf Coast city that offer golf courses, entertainment, fine dining, and buffets as well. Some names to remember are the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Boomtown Casino, the IP Casino Resort, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi. Another great place in Mississippi to try your luck is Tunica, which has no gaming limits and draws big names for the entertainment shows.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Another place in the American South where you can enjoy excellent casinos and true Southern hospitality is Shreveport, Louisiana. There are riverboat casinos along the Red River that have an old-timey feel that’ll take you back to another era. Make sure to check out Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino and Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport. There are more casinos in Bossier, including the Margaritaville Resort Casino and Diamond Jacks Casino & Resort. For even more fun gambling action, head to Harrah’s Louisiana Downs for live horse racing and the Super Derby. This is a place where live thoroughbred racing and quarter horse racing take place, and there are over 1,300 slot machines on the casino floor to try your luck when the horses aren’t racing.
Aruba
Aruba is best known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s also a top casino destination in the Caribbean. There are casinos in downtown Oranjestad and also at Palm Beach. To get into the island spirit, make sure to play a game of Caribbean Stud Poker because Aruba is known as the birthplace of the game. Top casino hotels in Aruba include the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Hotel, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris, and the Ritz Carlton Aruba.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
There are lots of great reasons to visit San Juan: the music, the food, the historic forts, the colorful architecture, and the mojitos! But what many travelers don’t realize is that this Puerto Rican city is also a great place to gamble. Some of the casinos to choose from include the Ritz Carlton San Juan Casino and Spa and the Stellaris Casino. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, lots of the casinos take U.S. currency. Other casino destinations in Puerto Rico worth checking out are Mayaguez and Dorado.
