We all have different aspirations as far as our betting activities are concerned, whether you fancy yourself as a high roller, or simply like to throw your spare change at some online slots. But most of us would surely jump at the chance to visit the finest gambling destinations on the planet.
If you have a desire to make 2019 your year of top-notch travel, here are five casinos to tick off your gambling bucket list.
Write your own Ocean’s movie at the Bellagio
If you’ve watched Ocean’s 11, starring George Clooney and co, you'll already be familiar with the Bellagio. It’s arguably the most famous casino on the planet, with its opulent architecture matched by the stunning dancing fountain outside.
Costing a mere $1.6 billion to build, the Bellagio is home to some of the highest poker table limits around, with a bank of more than 2,000 slot machines paying out jackpots in excess of $1 million. It will cost you a sweet penny to visit, but few gambling experiences offer the excitement and glamour of an evening at the tables of the Bellagio.
See that size does matter at the Venetian Macau
Las Vegas is rightly heralded as the gambling capital of the earth, but Sin City isn't where you'll find the largest casino property. That honour goes to China, and specifically the Venetian Macau complex.
Spanning a whopping 530,000 sq ft, the Venetian Macau is home to 800 games tables and a staggering 3,400 slot machines. As if that weren't enough, the casino even has its own canal system, the San Luca, which starts inside the resort. You can take gondola rides around the site if you really want to travel in style!
Watch the stars at the Monte Carlo Casino
Built in the 1800s, the Monte Carlo Casino is the haunt of some of the richest people on the planet, who, when not busy tending to their super yachts moored in the marina, enjoy a turn or two at the tables.
When you’re not taking down the dealer at the roulette wheel or blackjack table, you can enjoy a concert at the casino’s own opera house, and tread the same ground as James Bond in his adventures Casino Royale and GoldenEye. Some of the best poker players in the business also frequent the Monte Carlo Casino, with Poker Stars holding many of their European Tour events here.
Get a head for heights at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Few are aware that the second largest gambling resort in the US is not found in Las Vegas. Instead, you’ll have to head to Connecticut to sample the 350,000 sq ft of gambling heaven that is the Foxwoods Resort.
Ever wondered what 4,800 slot machines would look like in one place? Ever fancied playing a round of bingo against 4,999 opponents in one room? You can answer those questions in style at Foxwoods while tackling its 350ft high zipline, which is 3,750ft long and reaches speeds of up to 60mph.
Feel like royalty at Casino Baden-Baden
If architecture is your thing then a trip to Casino Baden-Baden in Germany comes highly recommended. Its design is based on that of the Palace of Versailles, with baroque-inspired elements meeting grand red-and gold decoration in the gaming areas. It’s no wonder that guided tours of the interior are offered.
Marlene Dietrich, the Oscar-nominated German actress, once declared the Baden-Baden to be ‘the most beautiful casino in the world.’ You suspect, given the company she kept, that Dietrich was no stranger to such establishments.
