When it comes to the world’s most extravagant casino destinations, Las Vegas is invariably the first place that springs to mind, and is the world’s best-known gambling mecca thanks to its bright light, lively strip and opulent casino resorts. But although Sin City is undoubtedly a favourite amongst the world’s high-rollers, it might surprise you to know that there are an array of other thrilling destinations to add to your bucket list if you’re looking to go all out on playing high-stakes games like poker, blackjack and roulette amongst the elite.
Blending gaming with culture, natural beauty, and indulgence, they’re about much more than just that, too, offering a balanced experience and the perfect spots to enjoy a high-end escape that ticks all the right boxes. Here, we take a look at some of the most impressive casino destinations you probably never knew existed, handpicked by the experts at payid-pokies.net – but that you’ll want to get yourself to sooner, rather than later.
Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo has long been known for being a playground for the rich and famous, and that’s not least down to the glamorous Casino de Monte Carlo. This lavish casino is steeped in rich history and attracts serious gamblers from across the globe – who come not just for the chance to play in its famous hallowed halls, but to experience the glitz and sophistication of its privileged location on the French Riviera.
Although Monaco is technically its own country, it shares the same breath-taking stretch of coastline as spots like Cannes and Nice, offering glittering views out over the Mediterranean. Its harbour is invariably lined with expensive superyachts, and it’s home to a selection of plush five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, too.
The casino itself features ornate Belle Époque architecture, opulent interiors, and breathtaking ocean views, and offering the classic gaming experience, it’s an experience that elite gamblers should most certainly have at least once.
Macao, China
Over recent years, Macao has dethroned Las Vegas as the world’s casino capital in terms of gambling revenue, and it’s undoubtedly the hottest spot for jet-setting whales to get their casino fix in the East. A special administrative region of China, Macao is every bit as grand as Sin City – if not even more so. You’ll see many of the same big names, from the Wynn to the Venetian – the latter being the sister property to the original and having carved out a reputation for itself that is just as highly esteemed.
The largest casino in the world by floor space, The Venetian Macao boasts a whopping 550,000 square feet of gaming – including over 3,000 gaming machines and 870 gaming tables – with world-class rooms and suites plus next-level fine dining options, too. Evoking the magic of Venice itself through its meandering canals and gondola rides, it has fast become one of Macao’s very finest gambling spots, and sits amongst good company, with a host of other plush venues to choose from that are ready and waiting for you to place wagers that are as eye-watering as you like.
South Africa
So you might have been able to predict that Monaco and Macao would feature – but what about South Africa? It’s certainly not the first destination that comes to mind when someone floats the idea of a casino getaway – but it should most definitely be on your radar.
Nestled on the border of the picturesque Pilanesberg National Park, the awe-inspiring Sun City Resort is one of the nation’s proudest gambling establishments, and is set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the South African wilderness. Here, you can enjoy high-stakes gaming by night and safari adventures by day, for a unique getaway that you’re unlikely to experience the likes of anywhere else.
The resort’s casino boasts more than 850 slot machines and 40 table games, so it’s no small venue – and you could easily have an adrenaline-packed evening of play each night without getting anywhere near to trying them all. But Sun City’s appeal goes beyond the casino floor, because it is also home to the impressive Palace of the Lost City – a lavish five-star hotel inspired by the ancient African kingdom and complete with lush gardens, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil pools. If you’re a golfer then there’s also a world-class course on site, as well as a fitness centre, spa and a host of excellent dining options. For high-end getaways that tick all the boxes you could imagine, it really doesn’t get much better than this.
Guests can also enjoy the Gary Player Golf Course, a world-class facility that has hosted professional tournaments. This combination of natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and thrilling gaming makes Sun City a truly unique casino destination.
Manila, The Philippines
Most people who visit the Philippines these days spend little time in Manila, but for casino enthusiasts, it’s fast becoming a must. Although it’s nowhere near as picturesque as the nation’s white-sand islands, which are fringed by swaying palms and lapped by the most crystalline waters imaginable, what it does have is the Okada Manila. Set along the pretty Manila Bay, it’s quickly carving out a name for itself as one of the best casinos in Asia, and features over 500 table games, 3,000 electronic gaming machines and a whole lot more besides.
And of course, once you’ve had your fix, it couldn’t be easier to hop on a boat or take a domestic flight from the capital to the likes of Boracay, El Nido or Siargao to get some much needed rest and relaxation at one of their many sophisticated resorts.
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