Over the past few years, online casinos have been experiencing a boom, with jet-setting enthusiasts of games like blackjack, roulette and baccarat fuelling rapid development that now allows them to enjoy a five-star gambling experience from anywhere, anytime, and often with many of the opulent hallmarks of the real deal.
There’s no denying that sites like Online Casino Wiki (onlinecasinowiki.com/poker-recommendations) are enjoying increased traffic as high-stakes gamblers continue to seek out the best digital platforms on which to enjoy their favourite games in 2023, but that doesn’t mean that interest in land-based casinos has waned. In fact, on the contrary. Appetite whet by the drama of logging onto the latest casino apps to partake in live dealer games, the year so far has also seen many of us also flocking back to the world’s most glamorous gambling destinations in a post-Covid, post-lockdown world, eager for a taste of the original glitz and sophistication we all know and love.
And amongst poker players, in particular, interest in land-based casinos is soaring once more – with the nail-biting intensity and suspense of a face-to-face, real-life game something that’s difficult to match.
Blending strategy and skill as opposed to relying on sheer luck, the thrill of a game is only elevated further by the most opulent of surroundings – which is why these four destinations remain favourites amongst the world’s top players.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Sin City is the world’s original high-stakes gambling hot spot, and it’s a reputation it isn’t prepared to give up without a fight. Still dubbed the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, its impressive Strip is home to some of the most opulent and extravagant casino mega-resorts anywhere, and with many home to private, high-stakes rooms and tables reserved only for the biggest high rollers, it’s a veritable haven for poker enthusiasts.
In Vegas, high-profile poker tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the Wynn Signature Series and the Venetian DeepStack Championship take place here throughout the year, with many of the destination’s most iconic casinos offering up something special and attracting serious players from across the globe. And with such lavish resorts to rest at and enjoy when the table-side action is over, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to impressive sky bars offering stunning views down over the city, it’s easy to see why they keep on coming back for more.
Macau, China
We said that Vegas wasn’t prepared to give up its glittering reputation without a battle, but one destination that has tried hard to dethrone it is Macau. In fact when it comes to revenue, this special administrative region of China has done just that, but Sin City’s rich history is something that is difficult to eclipse.
Nevertheless, Macau has quickly cemented a name for itself as the gambling capital of Asia, and a host of big names that might be familiar from Vegas – including the Venetian, the Wynn and the MGM Grand – have opened impressive resorts here that in some cases, dwarf their predecessors.
Once again, they offer lavish poker rooms designed to cater specifically to the desires of high-rollers, and the destination’s poker scene has exploded in recent years, with prestigious events like the Asia Championship of Poker and the Macau Billionaire Poker Spring Challenge now taking place here annually.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Long synonymous with wealth, glamour and all-round sophistication, Monte Carlo is an undisputed playground for the rich and famous.
Its renowned Casino de Monte-Carlo, an architectural masterpiece, has been featured in numerous James Bond films, making it an absolute must for fans of 007, and there’s a reason this particular one was chosen to appear. Its ornate interiors and lavish décor are the epitome of elegance, and the annual European Poker Tour’s Grand Final takes place here, attracting the world’s top players and offering some very appealing opportunities for high-stakes poker players to take on some of the biggest of the world’s whales.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Whilst it’s true that most of the world’s most glamorous poker destinations can be found in large cities, Paradise Island in the Bahamas is one that bucks the trend. Surrounded by the azure waters of the Caribbean and characterised by breath-taking white-sand beaches fringed by swaying palms, this really is a slice of paradise – and if you’re the type who likes to spend your poker winnings on lavish holidays, then coming here is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds all at once.
Paradise Island hosts the iconic PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, an annual poker festival which takes place each year and features a series of high-stakes tournaments that draw poker enthusiasts from across the globe. If you haven’t visited yet, then book yourself into a spot of winter sun and some nail-biting table-side action.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
