When we conjure up images of a sophisticated evening at the casino, we undoubtedly picture a smartly dressed figure with a cocktail in hand placing a bet at the roulette wheel or sitting at a high-stakes poker table. The idea of this glamorous set up has most probably been brought to the forefront of our minds thanks to the James Bond franchise, with a tuxedo’d Bond bringing his flirtatious nature, preference for a particular drink and a heavy dose of drama to a night at the casino.
Of course, some of us may want to embody this oh-so glamorous vibe when we hit the casino floor next (sans the poisonings and the like that the plots include), and with the sheer number of casinos that are spread across the world, it can be tricky to know where to go for the best Bond-inspired experience.
The films take inspiration from existing casinos, and there are plenty of highly sophisticated resorts to visit that certainly embody all it is that the films and Bond himself emanate. From glitzy Las Vegas to opulent Monaco to magnificent Macau, we teamed up with Profit Squad, the place where you’ll find all online casino reviews, to narrow down the top five Bond-esque casinos in the world that you can head to for a suave and sophisticated experience.
Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
The casinos of Las Vegas are truly to be admired; with the mega resort hotels they belong to impressing visitors the world over. Themed five-star resorts transport guests to faraway lands, from Polynesia to Paris and Italy to Egypt, all while remaining firmly on US soil. Their casinos are just as impressive too and they make this city what it is – a hub of entertainment.
No ‘greatest casino’ list could ever be complete without the inclusion of the Bellagio. From its iconic fountain shows greeting guests outside to the Italian charm the resort embodies inside, this is a place to see and be seen in. The 115,000 square ft casino includes 40 poker tables, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and the like, but for that Bond-esque experience, head to Club Prive, the high-limit lounge with its opulent décor, private atmosphere, and speakeasy style bar serving up an exclusive selection of spirits.
Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Embodying charm, elegance and graceful architecture, much like the place in which it sits, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, in the principality of Monaco, is an iconic feature of the casino world. Built in the 1850s, visitors here can expect to get a taste of history as they place their bets, while rubbing shoulders with fellow sophisticates.
Encompassing belle epoque architecture with touches of marble and gold, the opulent interiors certainly provide the perfect setting for an evening of gratifying gaming, and Monte-Carlo offers the whole package when it comes to stepping into Bond’s shoes. From five-star hotels to Michelin-starred dining to gorgeous cars to transport you, expect glamour at every turn.
Casino Baden-Baden, Germany
One of the oldest and most extravagant casinos in the world, Casino Baden-Baden showcases regal interiors, an interesting history and certainly earns its place on this list. Step inside and glance around at the timeless décor and you could easily imagine any of the Bond actors gracing the tables, suited and booted and ready to play.
An exclusive retreat designed with the Palace of Versailles in mind, the casino offers 15 table games including blackjack and roulette and 140 slot machines, with poker tournaments taking place between 8pm and 3.30am on a Friday and Saturday.
The Wynn Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
There’s a reason that pre-pandemic visitor numbers to Las Vegas reached over 40 million annually, and so we head back to the extravagant city for a stop at Wynn Las Vegas. The resort, which cost $2.7 billion to build, offers a full package for guests including big entertainment shows, stunning suites, designer shopping, outdoor pools and gardens, elegant restaurants to dine at, and a huge 189,000 square ft of gaming space.
Alongside poolside gaming, a state-of-the-art sportsbook and a whopping 1,800 slot machines, visitors will find 180 table games, an impressive poker room and luxurious high limit salons in stylish surroundings.
Grand Lisboa, Macau
Towering above the landscape in Macau is the Grand Lisboa, a grand, eye-catching structure which opened in 2007 and provides guests with a dedicated casino experience. Reaching over 98,000 square ft, the casino offers up over 800 gaming machines and 230 plus gaming tables within elegant surroundings. Extend your stay in one of the hotel’s suites and dine at a selection of the highly rated restaurants on site for the full Bond experience.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
