The world of high-stakes gambling has long been associated with immeasurable wealth and all out luxury, with some of the world’s top destinations frequented by high-rollers bringing in some eye-watering figures in revenue each year.
Playgrounds for the rich and famous, the likes of Las Vegas and Monaco have long been considered some of the world’s most opulent hot spots for gambling enthusiasts and luxury lovers alike – but which destinations bring home the bacon when it comes to the numbers?
According to research by online gambling platform FanDuel Casino, not necessarily the ones you’d think – and some notable ones are absent from the top four. In fact, some of the biggest money makers might surprise you, with the recent global economic uncertainty leaving the landscape looking a little bit different to normal. Taking into consideration 2022 revenue, but also the bigger picture, these are the top casinos destinations in the world by revenue.
Macau, China
While for many years, Las Vegas was the undisputed champion of the world when it came to racking up the annual gambling revenue, in recent years, it was dethroned by Macau – a special administrative region of China – which had emerged as an unrivalled powerhouse and went on to become not just the top player in Asia, but in the entire world. Last year, however, it brought in just 42.8 billion Macau patacas – that’s around $5.3 billion USD – which might sound like a lot, but it pales in comparison to the numbers reported from Sin City.
The global pandemic had a lot to do with the conservative numbers for 2022, with the region taking longer to reopen for tourism and for travel restrictions to be lifted than Vegas – however, with the world having since returned to normal, despite sitting in second place for its 2022 numbers, we’re expecting to see Macau reclaim the top spot very soon.
The city’s strategic location, strong Chinese market, and favourable government policies have paved the way for its meteoric rise to the top of the pile, and with a number of big names opening luxury casino resorts there over the past few years – including the MGM Macau and the Venetian, Macau is widely expected to be the world’s top money spinner when it comes to gambling for 2023.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
It may have lost its claim to the hot spot in the grand scheme of things, but that doesn’t mean gambling revenue has fallen in Sin City – in fact, far from it. In 2022, it brought in a respectable $14.8 billion USD, dwarfing the income of Macau – but considering the circumstances that were brought on by the global pandemic, it did have it a little easier than its main rival in what turned out to be something of an anomalous year.
The much loved oasis in the Nevada desert has long been synonymous with luxury casinos and entertainment, and continues to attract high-rollers and celebrities from across the globe who come to indulge in popular games like Blackjack, Poker and Roulette, and enjoy a night or two of pure excess. And with such a vast array of luxury casino resorts to choose from, from Rome-inspired Caesars to modern mega resort Wynn Las Vegas, it’s easy to see why they just keep on coming back for more.
Singapore
Like Macau, Singapore was still feeling the lasting effects of the pandemic in 2022, but that didn’t stop it racking up an impressive $3.56 billion in revenue last year. And in 2023, the numbers are already looking even better – so who knows where this sophisticated Asian city-state will be by the end of it?
Singapore is famed for its iconic Marina Bay Sands mega resort, which is a place to see and be seen for the world’s whales, and Resorts World Sentosa, with its sprawling gaming space and numerous table games and slots, is another major draw thanks to its lavish setting and impeccable service. It’s unlikely that Singapore will eclipse the likes of Macau or Vegas in revenue any time soon, but it is more than worthy of a place amongst the world’s elite high-end gambling destinations, and certainly holds its own when it comes to the numbers.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
Vegas isn’t the only money-spinning US gambling destination to impress when it comes to annual gambling revenue, and Atlantic City, on the East Coast, is also up there with the best of them. The region’s main gambling hub has welcomed a string of new casino resort openings over recent years, with big names like the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and the Tropicana serving as highlights that attract gambling enthusiasts from around the world.
In 2022, net revenue exceeded $3.3 billion USD, placing it only slightly behind Singapore, but this year, that could all change. Atlantic City’s attractive beachfront location has made it an appealing prospect for casino tourists looking to combine the glitz and glamour of gambling with a summer sunshine break, and with a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of things to do in the region, growth is almost certain over the coming years.
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