Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the West. Yet for travelers who like to make a bet, there are less trodden paths around the globe. We discuss them below.
If you love the thrill and spill of a bet or a casino game, then the world has plenty for you to see. From glittering modern cities to historical sites in the Far East, gambling houses have their own unique history that can bring the past to life. Below, we dive into the must-see destinations for casino lovers.
Accra, Ghana
Accra, the capital of Ghana, is not often on the list of places for global travelers to see. However, it is extremely surprising and all travelers leave with it firmly noted in their book of hidden gem destinations. It is one of the most friendly countries in West Africa, with stunning beaches and delicious cuisines. It also has a relaxed pace of life, even in its biggest city.
To experience a gambling destination on the up, then Accra is a great place to go. The country is just starting to get quality online sportsbooks and casinos where they can make a bet or indulge in table games. These are by major providers as well, so they can be trusted for fairness and transparency. In turn, this has allowed more people access to gambling and learning how it works. Now, there are a host of casinos in the capital, some of which are at the plush beachside hotels, with other less formal venues in the inner city.
Macau
Macau is a region of China that is under special administrative control. It has a unique past, owing to it being owned by Portugal until 1999. Thus, its flavors are a heady mix of European colonial, and Asian, fused together to build one of the most dynamic and interesting places you will ever visit. It has even been marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What Macau is really known for is its gambling industry. It is the Asian version of Las Vegas, albeit with an income that is seven times larger than that of its US counterpart. Part of that is because it is the only place in China where Casinos are legal, so is the focal point for everyone in this large country who wants to play casino games. It makes up about 50% of the country’s economy.
There are casinos here from most of the major brands in the world, particularly those from the US and Australia. Don’t just limit yourself to the casinos though. Take a trip to the old town and look at the Taipa Houses or visit the Old Tai O Police Station.
Nassau, The Bahamas
The Bahamas are a series of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, south of Florida and just north of Cuba. It was once a British colony, heavily involved in combating piracy in the days of old. It became independent in 1973 but remained a bastion of offshore finance due to it being a tax haven.However, most people love it for its tropical climate and relaxed attitude.
Nassau is the largest city in the Bahamas and its capital. Situated on the island of New Providence, it houses around 70% of the country’s population. It has a lot of ties with the US and is a common tourist destination for US citizens. This may account for why it has so many casinos and has become a gambling mecca. You will find its bars filled with US tourist watching sports and making a bet on their mobile devices. Move to the hotels in Nassau or nearby Paradise Island, and you will find numerous table games and slots waiting to accept you.
Baden-Baden, Germany
Most European casino goers would be straight on the next flight to Monte Carlo. While it does have a huge part to play in the history of gambling, none are as vital as Baden Baden has been. This spa town sits in the South West of Germany, just on the border of the Black Forest. It is only forty kilometers from France, and it is this stroke of luck that made it so famous.
The focus of this was Kurhaus, once a simple spa resort. However, when a casino was incorporated in the 1830s, it began to attract patrons from France where gambling was banned. Soon, it was a thriving resort and a place to be. The author Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote his book The Gambler based on his experiences there. Even actress Marlene Dietrich loved the place.
With so much history, you can even get guided tours of the casino. Of course, you can always just stay and play. It has been restored, so is opulent, lush, and one of the most beautiful buildings you will ever spin a roulette wheel or make a bet in.
There are many other gambling capitals aside from Vegas. However, these ones really do offer something different. They can also be combined with relaxation and sight seeing in areas you may not normally have ventured.