Over the last 10 years, casino players have been charmed by the online gaming phenomenon. The varieties of games, bonuses, big offers and seamless game experience at the comfort of one click are a great deal. To check how bonuses and offers rate among different online game providers, you can see the best online casino bonuses at SlotsWise.
But, no matter how great the online gaming experience is, the pulsating energy, excitement and atmosphere of a land-based casino venue still remains attractive.
If you want to try your hand at lady luck and want to do it with style, go for an exciting casino holiday getaway. If you are based in the Western Cape region and want to experience the casino lifestyle, here’s a list of the top favourite casinos you could visit. If you are able and willing to travel abroad, there are many casino venues in the world that offer the extravagant luxury.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
If you seek an old-fashioned classic casino experience of the golden era of gambling, look no further. Officially called the Casino de Monte Carlo, it represents one of the best-known casinos in the world. You are probably familiar with the atmosphere from the film sets such as the James Bond GoldenEye. Maybe it is not the most tech equipped casino, but still represents the main reason why so many people want to spend a couple of days in this small French Riviera.
The Monte Carlo Casino is owned by a company called Société des bains de mer de Monaco. It is a public company in which the government of Monaco and the royal family have most of the stakes. In fact, it was the royals that first came up with the idea to build a casino complex in the Southern French microstate. In the 19th century, Princess Caroline was worried that the royals of the Grimaldi family were headed straight for bankruptcy. That’s why she came up with the bold move to turn Monaco into a prime casino residency. However, this was easier said than done since Monaco lacked a good road connection with Nice, and accommodation options for the tourists.
The economy of Monaco today is more diverse. There is the famous Formula One race, as well as upper-class families who chose to settle in the principality due to its lack of income taxes. Still, casino gaming culture plays an important role. Many tourists combine a trip to Monaco with a visit to some of the famous French Riviera destinations such as Cannes and Saint Tropez for a perfectly planned holiday.
Macau, China
Macau is a former Portuguese colony and one of the few places in China were traditional gambling is legal. The Portuguese can be seen in the history and architecture of the city, as well as the culture of living. Back in 1850, the Portuguese colonial government legalised gambling which resulted in seasonal tourist migrations from Asia. Macau quickly gained the nickname ‘the Monte Carlo of the East’. When Portugal handed back Macau to China in 1999, the casino culture did not end. Even though gambling was and still is illegal in China, the communist leadership saw gambling as an amazing opportunity for the economy.
An interesting fact about Macau is that the city is an autonomous Chinese territory. This means that many of the Chinese laws do not apply to this city. Probably the most important information for those who want to visit Macau is that you don’t need a visa for travelling. As long as you plan your trip to Macau or Hong Kong, but do not travel to mainland China, you are good to go. Another fun detail is that all casinos in Macau offer free transport from the entry points to the casino destination. For example, when you arrive at Macau’s ferry port you can find a free bus service which brings you directly to The Venetian. Combine all this with the great cuisine and the wide choice of luxurious hotels that Macau offers, and you have a great idea for a fabulous casino trip.
If you want to try slots or table games, you can choose between 40 different casinos in Macau. The largest and probably most famous casino is The Venetian. This casino looks the same as The Venetian in Las Vegas with faux renaissance frescoes and canals with gondolas. With over 550 000 square feet of floor space, this casino complex is impressive.
London, United Kingdom
The capital city of the UK is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations in Europe, if we can consider Britain to be a part of the old continent. London is easy to reach, making it an easy to plan travel destination. With an abundance of great hotels in all price categories, you can easily book a weekend getaway.
The largest casino in London is the Grosvenor Victoria Casino. Located on the famous Edgware Road, this casino has over 70 000 square feet of floor space. The Vic, as it is locally called, is a famous casino and a popular place for group gatherings if you want to place a few wagers with your friends. Another one of the exclusive London casinos is the Colony Club in Mayfair, which has a highly rated restaurant and bar. If you want to experience the old-fashioned vibe, head to The Hippodrome Casino on the famous Leicester Square. This casino hosts theatre shows, jazz gigs, and different entertaining programs for visitors.
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Last but not least, Vegas had to be included in our choices. It might be a bit of a cliché, but surely this city did not lose its shine. We all know from the sports and gaming events that Vegas represents the cradle of casino games. Even though Macau has surpassed Vegas when it comes to the amount of money that is being waged each year, Vegas still represents the most attractive casino destination.
Back in the 1920s, Vegas was nothing more than a passive transport hub. This changed back in 1931 when Nevada relaxed gambling and residency laws. After this came to be, many families settled down in Nevada state. When you first arrive in Vegas you will feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the casino industry. The experience starts at the airport, where you will see slot machines even at the baggage collector belts in the terminal. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the sounds, flashing lights and glamorous sights.
Yet, there is so much more that this city offers except gambling. Some resorts are transformed into real adult amusement parks. Many of them even have roller coasters like Stratosphere Tower and New York New York. There’s an array of great theatre and concert shows you can attend, or if you are willing to explore the nature of Vegas, you have to visit the Grand Canyon.
We hope this list might serve as an inspiration for your next holiday. These destinations have so much more to offer than casino games and make for an excellent holiday or extended weekend.
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