Gambling is a risky hobby that can be found all over the world, and many cities thrive off the economic wealth they produce. It has been around for centuries and has only become more and more popular with the development of sportsbooks and online gaming options.
Despite these new gambling options, it’s still hard to beat that special feeling when you try winning big in a casino, surrounded by flashing lights and sounds of music.
With endless options to choose from, check out this list of the top 30 gambling cities to make sure you are spending money in only the best of the best establishments.
Table of Contents
1. Las Vegas
Vegas is one of the 30 cities in the U.S. that is bursting with nightlife. Nicknamed Sin City, it’s no surprise that Las Vegas is one of the most popular gambling cities in the country, let alone the world – and with good reason.
One step on the main strip will cause a sensory overload filled with tasty places to eat, interesting entertainment venues, pool parties galore, and of course, a never-ending list of casinos.
There are plenty of things to do and explore in this exciting city besides hitting the slots, including these 10 attractions suited for families – but as a city that has thrived on its gambling, it’s easily one of the best things to keep you busy.
Keep in mind that the casinos in Las Vegas are extensive. You could spend hours roaming the floors, so it’s always smart to remember to keep an eye on the time and set yourself a reasonable budget.
2. London
Although the United States is considered to be the go-to country for gambling, that doesn’t mean you can’t find some amazing opportunities outside of the country – and London is the perfect example of that.
This capital city boasts 24 unique casinos with a fine variety of exciting games, high-class dining options, and handcrafted cocktails to keep you entertained for weeks.
It is important to note that London is a massive city so before you create the ultimate casino itinerary, make sure you pick places that are relatively close together so you don’t end up spending half of your time on public transportation.
Most of the casinos in the city have a very elegant feel, and with this comes a dress code – so you won’t be able to get into some of the finest gambling halls without sporting some of your best formal wear.
Remember to pack your suit and tie, make a few reservations, and book a stay at one of the many highly acclaimed hotels in the area for the best trip possible.
When most people think of Aruba, they picture sandy beaches and tropical drink – but they should also be imagining a slew of lively casinos.
Aruba is the perfect place to dip your feet into the gambling world, with free gaming lessons to prepare you for a busy night. Experienced gamblers will also appreciate the area, thanks to the high betting limits.
Enjoy a selection of casinos in all different sizes and themes to keep you entertained throughout your entire stay. You could even score a few free drinks at places like the Glitz Casino.
Whether you’re into the penny slots or the blackjack table, Aruba has got you covered – and when you need a break from the excitement, the beach will be waiting for you.
4. Macau
Although the United States as a whole is known as the number one gambling country, the city of Macau, China is easily a top gambling city.
Making Las Vegas look like a children’s playground, a trip to the casinos of Macau is meant for the big kids – so be prepared to be surrounded by high-rollers and VIP players, but don’t let that intimidate you too much.
Gambling in the city is an exhilarating experience, and there’s always live entertainment to keep you busy when you need a break from the slots.
There are 41 casinos to choose from, but if you want to spend the night in the largest casino resort in the world, head over to the Venetian – where you can find all the entertainment you need under one roof.
5. Paradise Island
Known for having a few of the largest casinos in the Caribbean, Paradise Island has the perfect combination of relaxing beach days and exciting gambling nights.
You’ll have your fair share of casinos to choose from, but don’t be surprised if you see most people flocking to Atlantis as it’s the largest and most lively of them all.
The casino itself is a beautiful sight, with glistening chandeliers and pumping nightclubs – but you can easily get hooked on one of its 700 slot machines and 85 table games.
If you can’t choose between a day at the pool or the blackjack table, you don’t have to! The casino has an adult-only pool overlooking the ocean and sports a variety of table games and slot machines.
6. Atlantic City
A close runner-up to the lively city of Las Vegas, Atlantic City has earned the spot as one of the best gambling cities in the country and the easy boardwalk access makes it even better.
The 9 massive casinos located along the boardwalk and marina allow you to come and go with ease, but you may have a hard time pulling yourself away from the casino floors.
Keep in mind that the casinos located along the boardwalk are some of the oldest in the area and have a more family-friendly focus, whereas the up-and-coming casinos on the marina are making a name for themselves with their larger selection of slots.
Each casino doubles as a hotel, so find a place that works for you and buckle down for a weekend of gambling, beach views, shopping, and more.
7. Singapore
Home to some of the best casinos in Asia, Singapore is a hotspot for gambling tourists – which is surprisingly shunned by the government, making it very hard for the locals to do.
Although residents of Singapore must pay $100.00 to even walk into a casino, tourists can get into most places free of charge, so fear not if you’re planning a trip to this exciting gambling city.
Gambling laws are much different in Singapore, so make sure to do your research before placing any bets – and only visit reputable establishments to ensure you aren’t accidentally partaking in something illegal.
8. Reno
Nicknamed “The Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno, NV is full of surprises – and one of the best of them is its lively gambling scene.
Hidden in the shadows of its big brother, Las Vegas, Reno sees a smaller crowd of visitors – but popular nearby attractions like the picturesque Lake Tahoe still draw in enough tourists to keep things fresh.
The city is one of the few places that share its payback averages publicly, so check out their website to see the latest updates on their slot machines’ statistics.
You can visit about 20 exciting casinos in the area, all boasting electronic slots, unique gaming tables, and sportsbooks for a fun-filled night you won’t forget.
9. Monte Carlo
Those who have spent time gambling in Monaco know that the only place you need to spend time is the Monte Carlo Casino, and here’s why:
The casino was built in the mid 19th century and portrays some of the finest architectural details you’ll find in the country, both inside and out.
Aside from its beauty, the gambling opportunities are the best in the area.
Private rooms are available for high-rollers who aren’t afraid to risk it all.
Make sure to have some money set aside for the admission fee, wear appropriate attire, and stop by the Louis XIV statue in the Hotel de Paris to give the horse’s leg a rub for good luck.
10. Paris
As the largest, most iconic city in France, it only makes sense that Paris has some of the best gambling opportunities in the country.
There are 8 casinos to choose from, all including a variety of table games; poker is the most popular in the entire country.
Although Paris doesn’t have any casinos with slot machines, you can always take a short drive to the Enghien-Les-Bains if that’s something you prefer.
Most of the casinos in Paris provide a luxurious setting, whether it be in the large, busy establishments like Paris Club Elyses or smaller, quaint options like Association Cercle Eldo.
11. Montréal
The city of Montréal is the most populated in all of Quebec and ranks at # 2 for the most populated city in Canada – so be prepared for an overflowing amount of attractions to fuel the masses.
Montréal is known for a lot of things, from its lively nightlife scene to its authentic French culture – but also has the largest casino in the country.
To be fair, it’s the only casino in Montréal – but it has everything a gambler could dream of in one convenient location, with over 3,200 slot machines and 120+ table games.
The Casino de Montreal has it all, from slot machines to sports betting – but if you’re looking for a quieter night of poker or bingo, there are plenty of establishments and online platforms to choose from.
12. Los Angeles
Known for its lively nightlife and celebrity appearances, Los Angeles is one of the best places for card players to gamble as it’s overflowing with cardrooms.
With that in mind, there’s only one casino in this massive city that has access to slot machines and video-based games. The San Manuel Casino is home to over 4,900 slot machines and 9 restaurants and is open 24 hours a day – so you don’t have to worry about running out of things to do if you prefer a machine-friendly resort.
If poker or blackjack is more your style, you’re in luck because the streets of Los Angeles are flooded with cardrooms and eager players ready to gamble and tons of amazing restaurants to satisfy your late-night cravings.
13. San Jose
Located at the heart of Costa Rica, San Jose is an up-and-coming city that has been flooding with tourists thanks to its lively nightlife, plethora of attractions, and all-around good vibes.
Although Costa Rica doesn’t have many gambling opportunities, the city of San Jose is an exception to the rule, with over a dozen casinos to choose from.
You won’t be dazzled by flashing lights and formal attire, but the laid-back setting of their casinos will definitely make you feel more relaxed. Just make sure to freshen up on Tico gambling rules to ensure you’re playing the games right.
Many of the high-class hotels in the area boast their own casinos, so feel free to pick a resort that has it all so that the only time you need to step outside is to hit the beach.
14. New Orleans
There’s more to the exciting city of New Orleans than its Mardi Gras festivals, and when you’re not munching on international snacks or dancing in the streets, you can be exploring the city’s lively gambling scene.
You’ll find a slew of casino options in this vibrant city, and from its typical resorts to its riverboats, there really is something here for everyone.
If you aren’t 21 years or older but are itching to get in on the action, anyone 18 and older can bet on horse races – so may the odds be ever in your favor.
Wherever you decide to spend your money (and hopefully make some more), you’ll be overwhelmed by the array of options including fine dining and live entertainment.
15. Buenos Aires
The city of Buenos Aires takes its gambling scene pretty seriously; it’s the only place in Argentina where you’ll find some of the most unique venues dedicated to this expensive hobby.
Each casino has its own set of unique features. Their themes differ drastically, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately depending on where you hope to spend your time.
For something different, head over to the Buenos Aires Boat Casino, which was created to mimic the riverboats in New Orleans and has over 700 slot machines and 150 gaming tables to enjoy while taking in the waterfront views.
However, if you’re looking for a resort that’ll have everything you could possibly need at the tip of your fingers, dedicate your time to the Casino Buenos Aires – but be prepared to spend a lot of money in its tempting atmosphere.
16. Fort Lauderdale
This one may come as a surprise, but the thriving city of Fort Lauderdale offers the best gambling opportunities in the state of Florida – and there’s no shortage of entertainment when you need a break from the slots.
There’s something in the city for all kinds of gamblers. Chances are, that one visit here will have you interested in new games, like the extremely fast-paced jai-alai.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your choices, you can’t go wrong with planning your gambling time at the Seminole Classic Casino, which is not only the oldest casino in town but also considered to be the greatest. You’ll have over a thousand slot machines at your fingertips, as well as state-of-the-art blackjack and poker tables with bars and restaurants never too far from reach.
17. Lima
Although you may find yourself being pulled to the many natural wonders and architectural masterpieces that make up this Peruvian city, Lima has everything you could hope for including a high-class gambling scene.
Gambling is completely legal in Peru, so you’ll have no trouble dipping your toes in a bit of online gambling, lotteries, and good old casino slot machines.
Much of Peru is made up of “imposter” casinos, which are establishments that only have a handful of slot machines and nothing else – but Lima is filled with the real deal; the most popular game played is Texas Holdem.
It’s important to note that although the city’s casinos are in reputable areas, robbery is common – so always make sure to take advantage of the casino’s free taxi service if you find yourself winning big.
The longer you play, the more free things you can get! Think free alcoholic beverages and even a complimentary dinner.
18. Deadwood
If you can live without flashing lights and prefer a more rustic setting, then you have to head over to South Dakota, where Deadwood has been surprising visitors with an abundance of casinos since 1989.
You won’t find booming nightclubs or an endless selection of restaurants, but the city makes up for it with its country charm, mom-and-pop shops, and saloons filled with square dancers.
You’ll notice that although there’s an extensive list of casinos to choose from, the maximum number of slot machines you’ll find on one casino floor is 30, due to state regulations.
This helps provide a small-town feel and is a great alternative for people who enjoy the act of gambling without the crowds.
19. Cairo
It is interesting to think of Cairo as one of the best gambling cities in Egypt. let alone the world, when its citizens are strictly prohibited from partaking in the fun – but the slew of casinos speaks for itself.
The beauty of gambling in Egypt is that it can be done from anywhere. Online gambling is on the rise, so if you don’t feel up to putting on a formal outfit to hit the casino, you can gamble right from your hotel bedroom.
As lovely as that sounds, make sure you dedicate some time to explore the lively casinos to see what gambling in Egypt is all about – and to admire the stunning detail put into both the interiors and exteriors.
Some of the best hotels in Cairo have their own casinos, so check out your options before committing to a resort and spend your time worrying about which slot to hit next rather than worrying about how to get back to your hotel.
20. The Poconos
Most people plan their trip to the Poconos with the thought of mountains and outdoor recreation in mind, but that’s all the more reason to let loose with some gambling fun when the sunsets.
Considering its outdoorsy atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different city when you enter the doors of either of the two, lively casinos in the area.
Spend the night hopping between thousands of slot machines and placing bets on frequent horse races but make sure to keep an eye on the clock so that you get enough sleep to take on a morning hike.
21. Panama City
Panama City is a hotspot for tourists looking for tropical getaways and during the day people flock to its sandy beaches, but once night falls and the crowds scatter, the casinos come alive.
There are 29 casinos in the city, but many of them are small-run businesses that strictly use slot machines – whereas the fully-functioning casinos with gaming tables are paired with hotels.
You’ll notice a different atmosphere when gambling here, as the locals play more for the social experience than for the competition.
Take advantage of the variety of promotions seen across most of the casinos, like two-for-one games – and don’t expect too much more than a beer from the servers that walk around the floor.
22. Cape Town
When it comes to gambling in Africa, South Africa is where you’ll find the best opportunities – and Cape Town just so happens to be the best of the best.
You’ll have your fair share of casino resorts, which make it easy to stay and play – but even better is the ever-growing world of online gambling.
South Africa has some of the best online gambling available, but for those who want to get out and explore, you can’t go wrong with any of the 10 major casinos in the area.
Depending on where you stay, 4 of these casinos are located in Eastern Cape, another 4 in Western Cape, and 2 in Northern Cape.
23. Detroit
Located along the border of Canada, Detroit has been fighting for the lead of best casinos since 1999 – and their continued efforts make them one of the most exciting destinations to gamble.
This Michigan city may only have 3 major casinos, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality, with its grand appearance and abundance of activities.
All three casinos boast over 3,000 slot machines each, up to 150 game tables, and a variety of other entertainment options like lounges with live music, spas, concert halls, and more.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, check out any one of the award-winning restaurants that you’ll find peppered through each of these wonderful resorts.
24. Cripple Creek
Combine the beauty of a mountain town and the luxury of side-by-side casinos, and you may never want to leave the adorable Colorado city known as Cripple Creek.
Cripple Creek has an entire district dedicated solely to gambling, which means you never have to hop in a car to get to any of the nine casinos because they’re all within walking distance of each other.
Just because you won’t be surrounded by flashing lights and crazy nightclubs doesn’t mean you’ll be bored during your stay. In fact, most of the casinos boast their own restaurants, hotels, and saloons, so there’s always something to do.
The casinos are open at any time of day or night, and you can enjoy all the favorites including slot machines, gaming tables, sportsbooks, and more.
25. Tunica
The Mississippi city of Tunica is one of the most underrated gambling destinations in the country – but one visit to its lively streets will have you begging for more.
There are 6 vibrant casinos to choose from, each with its own abundance of slot machines, gaming tables, sportsbooks, restaurants, accommodations, and more that’ll make your visit as pleasant as possible.
The city is broken up into the Casino Center and the Casino Strip because each area has 3 casinos within walking distance of each other.
Take in the views of the Mississippi River wherever you go and get ready for a busy night of gambling, drinking, eating, and mingling with the friendly locals.
26. Lisbon
What appears to be a distant relative to the iconic Las Vegas scene, Lisbon is Portugal’s hottest gambling city and is filled with endless, word-class attractions.
Here you’ll find the largest casino in all of Europe, The Casino Lisboa, with over 1,000 slot machines and 25 gaming tables to choose from.
Aside from the typical gambling games that we all know and love, Portugal has their own set of games to make things more interesting like Banca Francesa.
27. Niagara Falls
With gambling opportunities on both the Canada and New York Side of Niagara Falls, you can’t go wrong with hopping between these two countries to satisfy your casino itch.
However, if you’re looking to dedicate all of your time to one city, there are certain things to consider – like the additional cost of alcohol on the Canadian side.
Keep in mind that American currency is worth slightly more on the Canadian side – so Americans heading to Canada have more of an advantage than the other way around.
Regardless of which side you play on, you’ll have a fine selection of slot machines, gambling tables, sportsbooks, live entertainment, restaurants, and more.
28. Hong Kong
The city of Hong Kong can be an exciting place to gamble – but if you don’t know the ins and outs of the city’s regulations, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble.
The best advice when it comes to gambling in Hong Kong is to only visit reputable establishments and to avoid any sketchy street games that could land you up to seven years in jail.
Hit the slot machines to your heart’s content, but don’t hope to play games like poker or partake in online gambling services, as they’re illegal in the area.
29. Melbourne
If you’re looking for the largest variety of gambling forms, look no further than Australia’s diverse city of Melbourne – where you can hop from bingo hall to racetrack to casino and back again.
However, the most popular form of gambling in Melbourne is betting on horse races, and the city is home to the most iconic horse races in the country.
If betting on animals isn’t your thing, check out their large selection of sports bets or swing by one of the largest casinos in the world for a night filled with slots, tables, and live entertainment.
30. St. Louis
Head over to Missouri to take your gambling skills on the water; in St. Louis, every casino in town is located on a riverboat!
There are 5 riverboat casinos to choose from, but keep in mind that although they’re located on the water, they never leave the dock – so don’t expect to be cruising around.
This doesn’t mean the riverfront views are any less beautiful – and the abundance of slots, tables, and sportsbooks can keep you busy for days.
Just keep in mind, the state of Missouri requires you to pay the Missouri Department of Revenue up to 4% of your earnings for anything over $1,200.
