The world’s most glamorous casinos attract amateur players and wealthy whales in their droves each year, with iconic establishments in gambling hot spots like Las Vegas and Macau turning over eye-watering amounts in revenue each and every year. It seems our appetite for games like poker, roulette and baccarat as well as the opulent venues that serve them up knows no bounds and, in 2023, casino culture is very much alive and well.
The global gambling market was expected to surge to US$500 bn in gross gaming yield in 2022, and it exceeded that, which shows that demand shows no signs of slowing down. Online casinos have certainly had a role to play, with it now possible to find more details on your favourite games and play them live from your computer or smartphone from anywhere in the world – but they still cannot match the glitz and glamour of the real-life experience, and the bricks-and-mortar casino retains a charm and appeal that remains unrivalled.
But just how exactly did the luxury casino become the institution that it is today?
Gambling dates back to the Paleolithic period, before written history
Gambling has existed in some form throughout history, with the ancient Greeks thought to have begun placing wagers on the very first Olympic Games all the way back in 776 BC. Fast forward to the 1600s, and the first European gambling house was established in Venice, Italy, with ‘The Ridotto’ serving as a benchmark for the expansion of casino culture that was to follow.
In the USA, this culture first sprung up in four cities – Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco and New Orleans – with people regularly meeting up in saloons to drink and place wagers together – but eventually, gambling was outlawed, ultimately forcing it to become a more illicit pastime that went very much underground.
In 1941, though, all of that changed when the El Rancho Vegas Resort, given the green light by the Nevada state government, opened just outside of Las Vegas’ jurisdiction, paving the way for the development of Sin City and the famous ‘Strip’ as we know it today.
The rest of the world followed suit shortly afterwards and, today, there are gambling meccas to be found across the globe – the most notable of which besides Sin City being Macau – a special administrative region of China that has gone on to become the new gambling capital of the world.
While gambling is still only just being legalised in much of Asia and remaining off the table in many countries for the foreseeable future, Macau is home to a host of lavish high-end casino mega resorts, which are even more extravagant than those found in Vegas. Many of them are sister resorts of some of the big names found on the original Strip, like The Venetian and the MGM Grand, and attract high-rollers from across the globe throughout the year.
Once upon a time, the idea of combining a hotel resort with a casino was unheard of, but it’s easy to see why the two have been fused so seamlessly over the years. After all, what better way to keep punters playing their favourite games and placing bets than providing on-site accommodation and a host of opulent facilities for them to enjoy during their stay? From show-stopping infinity views with breath-taking views to Michelin-starred dining options and plush champagne bars, today’s luxury casino resorts have got it all.
And now, they can be found everywhere from Monaco and Melbourne to Singapore and soon, even Tokyo, with plans well underway to bring Japan’s first ever casino to life.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that Caribbean islands like Aruba and the Dominican Republic are also now popular choices for major casino resort chains like Renaissance and Majestic Mirage, given that they tend to attract an affluent crowd of well-heeled guests with money to burn. Now, you can combine that sumptuous beach holiday with as much gambling as you like – something that is certain to appeal to jet-setting whales who are eager for a relaxing break away from the stresses and strains of modern life.
What’s in store for 2023?
In 2023, luxury casino resorts are continuing to open their doors across the globe, and there are some big plans in store. Earlier this month, the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, the Philippines, began welcoming guests, while next month, The Star in Brisbane, Australia is due to begin trading.
Later in the year, we’ll see a string of thrilling new openings follow, from the Emerald Bay Resort in Lapu Lapu (also the Philippines) in May, to Caesars Virginia in Danville, Virginia and Bally’s Wabash in Chicago, Illinois in June. Then, there’s the plush Ayre Resort and Casino in Barbuda, opening in August, and the Inspire integrated Resort in Incheon, South Korea, coming in October.
Whichever way you look at it, it’s clear to see that the luxury casino resort has gone global, and that’s largely down to the huge continuing appetite and growing demand amongst wealthy travellers.
If you’re one of them, then suffice it to say that you’re in for a treat, with plenty more high-end casino resorts to add to your bucket list this year and beyond. The world really is your oyster!
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
