10 Biggest Gambling Cities in the World

Content Team 1 year ago
10 Biggest Gambling Cities in the World

If you ask 100 people which city has many casinos, the vast majority will say Las Vegas. The city has been a symbol of gambling ever since the first casinos started operating. However, the question remains—does it rank among the world’s largest gambling cities?

To answer this, we must consider the criteria for determining a city’s status of being the “biggest.” Are we evaluating the city’s geographical area? Should we examine the annual financial throughput? Or perhaps, is the number of tourists visiting each year the key factor?

In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest gambling cities in the world based on their contribution to the gambling industry.

1. Macau, China

Macau is the only city that might surpass Las Vegas as the top casino city in the world. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region of China, operating differently from the mainland. Known as the Monte Carlo of the Orient, Macau’s casinos generate substantial revenue.

At first glance, Macau, with over 40 casinos, is no match for Las Vegas, especially considering the Strip alone. Yet, Macau is home to 7 of the world’s 20 largest casinos, contributing over 50% to the city’s economy, such as:

  • Venetian Macao
  • City of Dreams Resort
  • Casino Ponte 16
  • MGM Grand Macao
  • Sands Macao
  • Starworld Hotel & Casino
  • Wynn Macau

Five of these are larger than any casino in Las Vegas. However, StarWorld Hotel & Casino and Wynn Macau are smaller than Las Vegas’s biggest—the MGM Grand.

While Las Vegas attracts plenty of gamblers, Macau focuses more on high rollers. This strategy has led to Macau surpassing Las Vegas in gambling revenue despite having fewer visitors yearly.

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2. Las Vegas, USA

When people think of Las Vegas, they immediately think of gambling. The famous metropolis is home to some of the world’s largest gambling resorts, such as MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and Bellagio.

Despite economic downturns, Las Vegas has stayed on top of the game and continues to cater to a wide range of visitors. Apart from gambling, tourists have options to visit The Fountains of Bellagio, Park Theater, and The Mob Museum.

Las Vegas also stands out for being a large gambling city with over 150 casinos. The distribution of casinos in the main areas of Las Vegas is as follows:

  • The Las Vegas Strip — 31 casinos.
  • Boulder Strip — 32 casinos.
  • Downtown Las Vegas — 12 casinos.
  • North Las Vegas — 19 casinos.

This raises the question—what defines a casino? For instance, does a local bar with a few video poker and slot machines count as one? The Nevada Gaming Commission states that establishments with over 15 slot machines or any with table games qualify for “unrestricted gaming licenses.” This explains why so many places in Las Vegas are recognized as casinos and why there are so many of them in such a small area.

3. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo is widely regarded as the ultimate luxury vacation spot, offering the finest gambling experience coupled with unparalleled glamor and sophistication. Nestled in Monaco, one of the world’s smallest countries, this city is a magnet for some of the wealthiest individuals globally.

The city boasts several famous casinos, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Monte Carlo Casino. This iconic establishment is not just a gambling venue; it’s a symbol of style and opulence, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the essence of high-end gambling and a luxurious lifestyle.

The principality, famed for its casinos, does not levy personal income taxes on its residents, a policy that extends back to the 1860s. However, Monaco’s gambling industry is heavily regulated and taxed by the government. The profits from its casinos, including the renowned Monte Carlo Casino, contribute substantially to Monaco’s economy. This strategic taxation and regulation of gambling establishments allow Monaco to maintain its tax-friendly policies for residents while benefiting from the lucrative gambling sector.

4. Marina Bay, Singapore

Singapore’s economic growth has positioned it as a key player in Asia, and its developing gambling industry is now a notable source of revenue. Despite the relatively recent legalization of casinos, Singapore has quickly made a mark in the gambling world.

The Marina Bay Sands, for instance, has rapidly become the largest gambling resort globally. This impressive complex boasts 2,500 rooms, a Universal Studios theme park, and multiple swimming pools, illustrating Singapore’s commitment to integrating entertainment and luxury into its burgeoning gambling sector.

Singapore’s approach to taxes, particularly in the gambling sector, reflects its strategic economic planning. The city-state imposes a relatively high tax rate on its casinos. This tax structure is part of Singapore’s broader fiscal policy, which balances competitive corporate and personal tax rates with higher levies in specific sectors like gambling. This balance helps maintain the country’s overall economic health and contributes to funding public services, similar to the scenario in Monaco.

5. London, United Kingdom

London, renowned as a top tourist destination worldwide, boasts a diverse array of attractions, including historical sites, art museums, and entertainment venues. The city offers a traditional British gambling experience, supported by the UK’s sophisticated gambling laws.

In London, over 20 casinos cater to a variety of preferences, yet the Empire Casino stands out as the most spectacular. Spanning 55,000 square feet, this British casino features world-class restaurants and bars and an exclusive VIP Dragon Lounge reserved for the most loyal and high-spending guests.

6. Paradise Island & Nassau, Bahamas

Considering its proximity and beauty, the Bahamas is an ideal getaway for United States gamblers. This destination is perfect for those seeking a break from daily routines, offering relaxation and ample sunshine.

Besides its stunning beaches, the Bahamas is also known for some of the world’s most famous casinos, making it a haven for gambling enthusiasts. Key places to visit include Paradise Island and Nassau.

This archipelagic state has a rich history in the gambling industry. It has previously hosted the prestigious PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, further cementing its status in the world of poker.

7. Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Atlantic City is often seen as the less glamorous sibling of Las Vegas, partly due to its historical ties with organized crime. Yet, it remains a popular destination for East Coast Americans looking to gamble without traveling across the country. Despite losing some of its glitz and glamor, it still ranks high in terms of the sheer size of the casinos.

Currently, there are nine casinos in Atlantic City, distributed somewhat unevenly throughout the area. In terms of square footage, these casinos are comparable to those in Las Vegas and Macau. For instance, the MGM Grand in Vegas, one of the largest, boasts 171,500 square feet of casino space, which is only slightly larger than some in New Jersey. Given the 27 million visitors Atlantic City receives annually, the casinos are substantial to accommodate this influx of guests.

8. Paris, France

Paris, the city of lights, may not be the first place that comes to mind when we think about casinos, but it offers plenty of surprises with its lively gambling scene. The Casino Cercle Haussman, situated near the Opera Garnier at the city’s heart, stands out as one of the best gambling spots in Paris.

This casino features 25 tables for games like blackjack, punto banco, baccarat, and various types of poker. For a night of high stakes, you can visit the famous Club Barrière, which is located on one of the most exclusive avenues in the world—Champs-Élysées. Spend your days exploring Paris’s beautiful monuments and your nights experiencing the dazzle of its casinos.

9. Sydney, Australia

In Sydney, travelers can effortlessly blend gambling with their road trips, even though the city is famed for cultural landmarks like The Opera House. Among Sydney’s hidden gems is The Star, a resort complex featuring a hotel, spa, and casino. This destination attracts tens of thousands of tourists and gamblers annually, marking it as one of the most exciting travel spots.

Owned by Star Entertainment, the complex includes two gaming floors. Exclusive areas like the Inner Sanctum are invitation-only and cater to international guests who frequently visit the establishment, adding an element of exclusivity to the gambling experience in Sydney.

10. San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, is also recognized as one of the world’s top gambling cities. The city’s casinos are famed for their diverse offerings and affordability.

San Jose is home to several renowned theaters and museums with global acclaim, such as The National Theater of Costa Rica, The Melico Salazar Theater, and The Museum of Costa Rican Art. While gambling is a popular pastime here, sports betting also enjoys widespread popularity. For those who enjoy following sports matches or are keen on news about unique athletes, like the tallest soccer player, San Jose offers an engaging experience.

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