Brick-and-mortar casinos remain one of the most popular tourist attractions worldwide. Despite the massive selection of online casino games, offers such as the Ice casino bonus, and a wide range of online payment methods, brick-and-mortar casinos continue attracting lots of people. The most common reason for this is the social aspect found in these places. While at the casino floors, tourists get to interact with people from different cultures, religions, races, and other walks of life. Moreover, some of these establishments are breathtaking with their architectural designs. With that said, we look at some of the best places you should consider visiting for gambling tourism. Additionally, the article looks at what gambling tourism is.
What Is Gambling Tourism?
Gambling tourism is self-explanatory. It refers to the pleasure people worldwide take in traveling, not only for the sole purpose of sightseeing but also to play casino games in different locations. Of course, some people frequent these establishments because they believe they offer better chances of winning, but to others, it’s all about the experience. Gambling tourism is broadly categorized into two:
- Visiting some of the popular traditional brick-and-mortar establishments in different countries;
- Visiting casinos located on cruises.
Visiting Remote Establishments With Casino Cruises
One of the popular ways tourists navigate the world is through cruises. On these voyages, you can enjoy playing your favorite table game or slot machine by visiting some of the casinos found on board. Some of the best you should consider visiting include the following:
- The Alaskan Cruise. As the name suggests, this is a cruise best suited for people located in Canada or the United States. In addition to enjoying the magnificent scenery of glaciers and plentiful wildlife, you’ll have the opportunity to play casino games on exclusive Alaskan cruises such as the Royal Princess. This means as you enjoy nature’s beauty, you can try your luck playing blackjack or spinning the roulette wheel at the tables. This creates a truly memorable experience that combines outdoor exploration and gaming thrills. However, you must remember one thing: gambling in Alaska isn’t legal. This means the casinos will only be open once the cruise liner has ventured into international waters.
- Freedom of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas takes you through an unforgettable casino adventure while sailing through international waters. Located on the fourth deck, Casino Royale puts you at the center of action through its roulette, blackjack, and Texas Hold’em games.
Best Countries to Visit for Gambling Tourism
Having looked at some of the best cruises to visit if you are searching for gambling thrills, we now focus our attention on the second part of the article: countries that offer the best gambling tourism services:
- Monaco. There’s no doubt that Monaco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whether you visit Monaco to watch F1, some of the oldest gambling establishments, or just want to see how the rich folk’s role, Monaco offers plenty of options for tourists. If you are a gambler, you’ll be pleased to know there are many casinos with services that novice players, low spenders, and high rollers can all enjoy. Ensure you visit the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and see why it was picked as the perfect place to shoot Casino Royale (the film). Fun Fact: According to the country’s law, locals are not allowed to step inside a casino, nor are they allowed to place a bet. However, this is not the case for foreigners who have a free pass.
- Canada. Despite having its online gambling spaces legalized in a few provinces, Canada’s brick-and-mortar casino industry remains one of the most popular not only locally but worldwide. The country usually receives international tourists who come to see some of the beautifully built establishments. However, before booking your plane, ensure you understand the laws of different provinces regarding gambling. Not all support gambling.
- The United Kingdom. Listing the United Kingdom automatically makes you assume that London has the best establishments. While it might be true to some extent, the United Kingdom has beautiful casinos spread throughout the country. Whether you visit Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow, or Bournemouth, you’ll be happy with the services you receive in their casinos.
- Australia. If you are headed to Oz land, there’s a high chance that Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex found in Melbourne or the Star City Casino in Sydney are on your to-visit bucket list. These are the most visited establishments in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. Their establishments are not just casinos but also offer five-star hotels, theatres, sports bars, and other social amenities you won’t see elsewhere.
