Top 5 Gambling Destinations That Aren’t Las Vegas or Macau

So you’re looking to take Lady Luck on a vacation, but Las Vegas and Las Vegas East (Macau) are a bit played out. You’ve been there, done that, and you don’t want the same old routine. Well, we’re here to help you spice things up.

While Las Vegas and Macau are known as two of the main gambling destinations in the world, they aren’t the only shops in town. They’re fun, but if you’re looking for something different, we’ve narrowed down a list of five really fun non-Vegas, non-Macau destinations for your next gambling trip:

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Before there was Las Vegas or Macau, Monaco was the world’s preeminent gambling hub. A lot of it has to do with the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which put the place on the map after opening its doors in 1863.

At the time, the destination was deemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Nowadays, the French Riviera is where the world’s billionaires go to play.

Before you head into the casino, take a stroll around Port Hercule to see what is considered one of the largest collections of extravagant yachts. Each one is more impressive than the last. It’s a less-than-subtle hint that this is not the type of place to ask about $1 blackjack.

Afterward, head up to the Casino de Monte-Carlo to see one of the most iconic casinos. You’ve surely seen it already, as it has been featured in many Hollywood films. James Bond has spent ample time inside in movies like Never Say Never Again, GoldenEye, and Casino Royale. Ocean’s Twelve was also filmed there.

The gaming floor itself features all sorts of action from roulette to stud poker, to blackjack, to baccarat, and much more. And if you’re looking for a little culture, check out the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. You’re bound to be impressed by the structure itself as much as the performance inside.

The Caribbean

There's more to this part of the world than turquoise waters and white sand beaches: a visit to the Caribbean is one of the better gambling vacations one can make. Here are a number of options:

1. Of course, the signature spot is The Atlantis in the Bahamas, with a world-class casino, including 85 gaming tables. The resort has its own beach, its own gigantic aquarium, and its own Nobu.
2. If you’re looking for an island that prioritizes the culinary delights, St. Martin/St. Maarten is your best bet. The half-French, half-Dutch island brings you the best of both worlds, with the cuisine on the French side and the gambling on the Dutch.
3. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, options like the Royal Beach Casino in St. Kitts or the Renaissance Curacao will provide peace, serenity, and slots.

Lastly, if you can’t make up your mind, there are a number of major cruise ships that not only can take you island hopping, but almost all of them have casinos onboard as well. Some sun, some snorkelling and some high-stakes. What else do you need?

Sun City Casino, South Africa

If you’ve never been to Africa, a visit to Sun City in the South is a good way to ease into the continent. Sun City is a hotbed of luxury, so you’ll still find a level of comfort you’ve come to expect with high-end accommodations, fine dining, and golf.

Visit the Sun City Casino resort. There you’ll find more than 125,000 square feet of action, including 852 gaming machines and over 30 tables.

A quick trip outside the city limits can give you a taste of safaris, wildlife, and landscapes as you’ve never seen before.

MGM National Harbor

If you’re still up for visiting the United States, but would rather skip Las Vegas, the MGM National Harbor is the ideal setting. Located on the banks of the Potomac River, the MGM National Harbor allows you to dip your toe in to get a Vegas feel without getting drowned in too much of Sin City.

Inside is the typical Vegas-like resort: a luxurious casino floor, a spa, incredible cocktails, and top-notch dining. Celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson and José Andrés both have restaurants inside.

Once you step outside the doors, you’ll be a short Uber ride away from all sorts of Washington, D.C. sites like the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument.

Bay Sands

Casinos are known for welcoming customers into the lap of luxury, but the Marina Bay Sands is on another level. Located on the southern tip of Singapore, the entire property cost nearly $5.5 billion to build. To put that into perspective, the only building in the world that cost more to construct was the Abraj Al Bait in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which cost a measly $15 billion.

Marina Bay Sands is an architectural marvel comprising three connected 55-story towers. Add in a SkyPark on the 57th floor, a 500-foot infinity pool, and a Science Museum, and you can see why this property costs so much.

And what about the casino, you ask? It’s the largest atrium casino on the planet with 500 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines. 

If you’re not doing Vegas or Macau, this is the ultimate adult playground.