Gambling as a sport, business and a leisurely activity isn’t viewed in the same way by different people across the globe. While it became the reason for the prosperity of several cities like Las Vegas, it was often frowned upon due to the involvement of risk and loss of precious money. Nevertheless, gambling is extremely popular across the globe and people travel to far off exotic locations to find the place where they can try their luck and make it big. If you have been searching for the casino destinations, here is a list of the best casino friendly places you can visit.
1. Monte Carlo
Located in the Sovereign Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo’s casino history goes way back to the mid-19th century. Being on the verge of bankruptcy, due to the loss of 2 towns that supplied their state with revenues from various cash crops, Prince Charles III allowed concessions for German styled casinos to be built in Monaco. However, being inaccessible from the rest of Europe it only became a success after the introduction of Railways in Monaco in the year 1868. Today, Monaco is the almost the Casino capital of Europe and the Monte Carlo Casino is the official host for the European Poker Tour and World Backgammon Championship.
2. Nassau
The Capital of the Island country of Bahamas, Nassau has seen its fair share of wars and conflicts in the past. Following the American Revolution and the formation of the US, several Loyalists from the US settled in Nassau. Soon the islands located near the city’s coasts were developed as a Gaming resort with the establishments of several Casinos and Luxurious hotels by the early 20th century. Today, tourism and casinos serve Nassau as the major source of their economy and employment. The Paradise islands in Nassau are not only known for their extravagant Casinos, nightlife and resorts but are also a major vacationing destination due to the exotic beaches located here.
3. Las Vegas
It would have been too clichéd for us to put Las Vegas on top of this list. Known notoriously by the moniker ‘Sin City’ and the self-titled ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is the ultimate casino destination. The town opened doorways for Casinos and Gambling facilities in the 30s and it soon saw an economic boom that made it easily withstand the Great Depression that destroyed the economies of all major world powers. During the 60’s all the Casinos were taken over by wealthy corporations and soon the city was turned from a Gambling town to a multifaceted tourist city. The Fremont Street Experience and the Las Vegas Strip are lined with casinos and high end hotels making it the ultimate location for Casino fans.
4. Macau
Located as a special administrative district in People’s Republic of China, Macau’s development as a Casino haven is attributed to the Portuguese. As a Portuguese colony before the World Wars, Gambling was legalized by the government of Macau in the 1850s. Soon the city was overrun with Gaming Parlors and Casinos and soon came to be known as the Monte Carlo of the East with its revenues adding upto 40% of Macau’s economy. The most famous casino is perhaps the Venetian Macau, which holds the title of the ‘Largest Casino in the World’. With a total of 33 Casinos, visitors can engage themselves with a wide number of games such as Backgammon, Slot Machines, Baccarat and Roulette etc.
5. Sun City
The Sun City is one of the best places for Casino lovers in South Africa. It is located at a short distance from Johannesburg and is notable for its luxury hotels, Casinos and has seen performances from several famous artists such as Queen, the Beach Boys, Cher, Liza Minnelli, Status Quo, Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Rod Stewart etc. Apart from the Casinos, the Sun City is also known for its extravagant nightlife, culture and several amusement and entertainment facilities.
Taking your chances on money isn’t what a lot of people do during their vacations. Since gambling and gaming are the activities that the abovementioned places have embraced, they are indeed the best places if you have an affinity for games like Blackjack, Poker and Roulette etc.