According to the Washington, D.C.-based American Gaming Association, about 51 million people--a group equivalent to roughly one quarter of the U.S. population over 21--visited a casino in 2002. From 2001 to 2002, the U.S. gaming industry grew by 3%, from $25.7 billion to $26.5 billion. And that's only the number of people who visited casinos domestically--and legally. Worldwide, although no hard figures exist, the number could be estimated to be double that.
From the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip to the illegal pai gow parlors of New York's Chinatown, there is a wide range of casinos from which these potential 100 million people can choose. For most, proximity is the deciding factor, as in the case of places like Atlantic City where shuttle buses crammed with tourists run 24 hours a day. Equally popular are the continuous hovercrafts linking Hong Kong and Macao, and the daily flights to Las Vegas from airports around the globe.
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Of course, there is more to casinos than just gambling. Since the early 1960s casinos have operated on the assumption that while black jack or roulette might be their main revenue stream, it is important to offer other incentives as well to keep occasional gamblers coming back to the tables. As a result, floor shows, free drinks, all-you-can-eat buffets and, increasingly, plush accommodations became more common. Today, Las Vegas pushes itself as much as a family destination as a gambling destination.
For the person looking for a top-end casino, such concerns as proximity and all-you-can-eat buffets are of less importance. There are basically two kinds of people in this bracket: the well-heeled amateur and the hard-core gambler. For the purposes of this article, however, we will set aside the hard-core gambler because they tend to follow the money and don't necessarily need luxury amenities to attract them.
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The well-heeled amateur, on the other hand, is someone who has the cash to play, wants the best, is likely to bring along his or her family and wants them to be entertained while he or she is hitting the tables. At this level, many top casinos offer much the same experience as far as gambling goes: all offer many of the same games, as well as such perks as private rooms.
Ironically, what makes one top casino distinctive from another is often not so different from what attracts the average punter, except that what is on offer is usually considerably better. Why settle for a bus when a casino will send a private jet? Why wait in line at the buffet when you can have a gourmet meal sent to your room? In some cases, why even pay for a suite because the casino, expecting you to gamble heavily, will provide you with a complimentary suite?
In some cases, the experience of gambling in an exclusive casino, rubbing elbows with royalty, is enough of an attraction. At London's private Clermont Club, there are no fancy boutiques or musical extravaganzas. Members may spend their winnings on vintage Champagne, or another flutter, but little else.
Another more "old world" casino is the world-famous Casino de Monte Carlo, which opened in 1863 and also eschews the resort mentality now in vogue. But the entire principality of Monaco is one big playground of the rich, so the well-heeled amateur may amuse himself at baccarat while his family hits the beach at the Société de Bains de Mer.
But visitors to Europe shouldn't expect perks like private planes. Because of European gaming laws, casinos are not allowed to directly "entice" clients.
In other places, though, some people prefer a little more pampering and a little less wagering. For example, in addition to floor shows, golf and spa services, the Bellagio in Las Vegas offers a branch of New York's swank Le Cirque restaurant as well as Hermès and Chanel boutiques.
Whether your gambling tastes run towards London or Las Vegas, you're sure to find a suitable one on our list of the World's Best Casinos. All of the casinos on our list are in glamorous, sophisticated locations--such as Monte Carlo, Antigua and Moscow. The casinos vary in size, from the intimate St. James Club in Antigua to the sprawling Casino Baden-Baden in Germany. Wherever you go, may Lady Luck be on your side.
Indicated location of casino.
Antigua
Bahamas
London
Germany
Macau
Manaco
Atlantic City
Vegas
Moscow
South Africa
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Imagine coming back from holiday with more dosh than when you left? OK, fat chance, but a casino holiday means at least there's the possibility... if Lady Luck's on your side! And many casinos are situated in fantastic hotel complexes so you can always take a break from the roulette wheel. Here's our pick of the best.
Bellagio - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Las Vegas' most famous casino is a lavish Italian-themed resort situated on an eight-acre lake on the Strip, offering sixteen restaurants and cafes, six bars and a host of designer shops. The Bellagio fountains and replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and The Pyramids provide the finishing touch to its grandeur.
The casino is a hive of activity - it's not uncommon to see jackpot prize cars on the back of slots and plasma screens displaying winners! Traditional table games include roulette, craps and blackjack as well as new favourites, Caribbean Stud, Pai Gow Poker and Big Six. The Bellagio was also the location for casino heist movie Ocean's Eleven, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Casino Atlantis - Paradise Island, Bahamas
Fancy chilling in the Caribbean and making a killing on the slots? Atlantis, the Caribbean's largest casino, offers 980 of the latest slot machines while the main casino has 78 table games, including roulette, blackjack and Caribbean Stud Poker. Novice gamblers will also appreciate the daily gaming lessons. A new addition is the Pegasus Race and Sports Book, where you can watch live US racetrack action and bet on sporting events.
The casino is part of the City of Atlantis-themed resort, complete with the towers of Atlantis. Aside from gambling, the resort offers deluxe accommodation, watersports, a golf course and enough pools and beaches to satisfy even the fussiest holidaymaker.
Bally's - Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
In the American version of Monopoly, Boardwalk is their Mayfair - so Bally's, on Park Place and the Boardwalk, is hot property. Located on eight and a half acres of beachfront, this is one of Atlantic City's most popular gambling joints and the largest casino on the Boardwalk since its merger with Claridge Casino.
The Wild Wild West Casino replicates the western frontier town complete with mountains and a running water stream - don't be surprised if you're greeted by a gunslinger! There are 2,170 machines at Bally's so pay a visit to Coyote Kate's Slot Parlor for some Wild West gambling. Table games include blackjack and roulette as well as Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. Bally's is also home to the renovated 19th-century Dennis Hotel and Claridge Hotel.
Sun City - North West Province, South Africa
Designed by the same man who created Atlantis in the Bahamas, Sun City is Sol Kerzner's Lost City-themed resort. It's an entertaining place to gamble, its casino offering everything from blackjack to Let it Ride Poker, although craps is currently unavailable. And of course, plenty of slot machines for both budget players and high rollers. Beginners can receive free lessons from the Sun City School of Gaming which explain casino rules and etiquette - did you know that you can't touch your cards during blackjack?
The Sun City resort also contains four luxury hotels, and offers watersports, a beach with a wave machine and waterslides, and a Roman amphitheatre. Safari lovers will also enjoy the proximity of the Pilanesberg National Park.
Casino Torrequebrada - Málaga, Spain
The largest casino in the south of Spain attracts both gamblers and holidaymakers seeking out the Mediterranean sun, offering traditional and video reel machines, video poker, bingo and keno. Its highest payout for slots was 68,000 euros in 2002 - so it could be you! For table games, try your luck at blackjack, Stud Poker, Punto Banco or roulette.
Located between Málaga and Marbella in the Costa del Sol, it's just fifteen minutes from the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Airport near Málaga. As well as winning (or losing!) money, the casino-hotel complex has a pool, saunas, gyms and a tennis court.
Monte Carlo Casino - Monaco
Kings, princes and writers have gambled away their fortunes in the world's most famous casino. Situated in Monaco on the Côte d'Azur, this is where sun, glamour and tax-free income prove too much to resist.
Gambler or not, it's worth paying $10 to visit the casino, its beautifully decorated ceilings and walls and the marble-paved atrium adding to the general opulence. The rooms (or salles) offer a range of games including European and English roulette, Trente et Quarante, Punto Banco, blackjack and craps. Slot machines, of which there are 1254 in Monaco, and video poker can be found in the Salle Blanche and the Atrium.
If you can afford to stay in Monte Carlo, take your pick from some of the swankiest establishments around such as Hôtel de Paris or Monet-Carlo Beach Hotel.
In the meantime, why not visit an online casino such as 32Red and see how you fare? You might pick up a tip or two and then you can knock 'em dead in Vegas!
By Meera Dattani
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