Are you getting tired of visiting the same old casinos year after year? Las Vegas does tend to lose its luster after you’ve been there a time or two. So, this year, it’s time to try something different, a hidden gem, and the cities on this list are some of the best for both gaming and sightseeing. They’re your top casino destinations of 2019, and there’s something here for everyone.
Head to Singapore for the Lavish Lifestyle
Vegas and Macau have their fair share of high rollers, but Singapore also takes some of the cake. And its slice is quite large. Despite being home to only two casinos, Singapore is the fourth largest “casino country” by overall revenue in the entire world, and the third largest by revenue per customer — visitors in Singapore gamble more per head than those visiting Vegas! Furthermore, Singapore’s two casinos are No. 9 and 10, respectively, in the worldwide list of highest-grossing casinos.
Infographic Credit: The Economist
Caption: As you can see, both of Singapore’s casinos are on the list of highest-grossing casinos in the entire world.
Singapore isn’t your typical gambling destination, though. You may have been impressed with the luxury in Las Vegas, but Singapore will knock your socks off with its array of activities — it’s a bit over the top, but that’s why people go. If you do decide to visit, you’ll be inundated with experiences. Choose to play at a few of the 500 gaming tables at the Marina Bay Sands Casino or book a room at the Resort World Sentosa for over 15,000 square meters of gaming fun.
Singapore is also an excellent city for seafood, and both resorts offer it in spades, so prepare for a full array of culinary delights as well as adrenaline-filled experiences like skydiving. You’ll also experience incredible attractions within the resorts like the S.E.A. Aquarium at the Sentosa — this habitat is home to over 100,000 species, and you can see them all (including sharks!) up close and personal. If you do decide to visit this vibrant city, do so during a fun event like the Chinese New Year. That way, you’ll get to partake in even more celebrations.
Spain Beats Out the Competition for Poker
Spain is already known the world over as a top vacation destination. It’s warm climate, white sandy beaches and laid-back vibes are enough reasons to visit. But did you know that Spain also has one of the most sophisticated casino cultures in the whole world? That’s right. Along with tapas and Tempranillo, you can sink your teeth into a satisfying game of cards or spin the reels at one of Spain’s many casinos.
And if you’re a poker player, Spain has another bonus: Barcelona. This city hosts one of the best poker tournaments in the world, the 888poker LIVE tournament. Every year, players gather alongside their favorite online venue for a piece of in-person action around the poker table. This year, the tournament will run from May 22nd to June 3rd, and the winners will have the chance to win their way to Las Vegas to compete in the World Series of Poker — or draw some money out of that deep, sweet prize pool.
Visitors flock to Spain not only because of the casinos but because of the atmosphere. It’s conducive to calmness and relaxation while still offering up exciting nightlife and opportunities for adventure. While visiting Spain, expect to be wowed by its major cities. For example, Madrid is an exceptional place to spend your time here, as you can take in architecture and culture as well as the casinos. And if you’re looking for beaches, consider heading to the Canary Islands for some island life. You’ll also want to check out the island of Tenerife, which has three casinos to take advantage of as you bask in the tropical sun.
Spain is one of the best countries in the world to visit for aspiring gamblers and poker professionals alike, with even the locals embracing the casino culture here wholeheartedly as well. Indeed, the people of Spain gamble around 1.9 billion euro per year — to put it in perspective, that’s about 480 euro per person. If you want to get in on the action, Spain welcomes you with open arms.
Credits: @enrico_perini_photography
Costa Rica Offers Tranquility with Calmer Venues
Costa Rica is one of the most underrated countries in the world to gamble. The city of San Jose is the largest city for gambling in the country, and it’s a popular destination for tourists of all types as well. Here, the emphasis isn’t on the casinos as it is in major hubs like Spain and Singapore, but rather it’s all about subtlety. Tourists not only come for the casinos, as the gorgeous, natural beauty of the country is a draw as well.
The casinos here are usually attached to hotels and bars and generally are smaller and more intimate venues. So, if you’re accustomed to the bright lights and flashy music of Vegas-style casinos, those in Costa Rica can offer you a different experience: one full of tranquility, relaxation and low-key betting as well as different games than you may expect.
Games in Costa Rica include all the classics: slots, poker, roulette and other games are all available. However, this country does offer special games like Caribbean Stud poker, a popular variation known as Tute in Costa Rica. It’s a good idea for visitors to try out these new games and expand their horizons as they travel through a tropical country.
No matter where you decide to go on your next gambling venture, make sure you know your options. You don’t have to stay on the traditional path. Instead, branch out and experience a wider variety of cultures and games outside the norm at places you may not usually go. After all, what do you have to lose? Get started booking your next casino vacation today.
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