Top 10 Popular Gambling Cities: Betting Hotspots Around the World

Gambling in exotic locations around the world has a thrill of its own, be it in the historic streets of Paris or an island paradise like the Bahamas. Cities that thrive off of tourism often have a lavish and luxurious lifestyle that anybody would be envious of.

Whether you’re a professional gambler or a tourist looking for a good time, these gambling hotspots have everything you could ever hope for. A thriving nightlife, multiple entertainment spots just a few feet away from one another, a gorgeous setting, and much more make these destinations worth visiting at least once. 

We can decide on various metrics which cities we choose to be the top, but we decided on the number of tourists visiting, the number of casinos, and the quality inside these casinos. That being said, let’s take a look at the 10 most popular cities for gambling! 

10. Monte Carlo - Monaco

[source: wikipedia.org]

Known for its luxurious hotels and Formula One, Monte Carlo in Monaco is a beautiful seaside location that promises life in the lap of luxury. Many people also associate the location with the famous Casino De Monte Carlo, and it remains one of the most popular tourist spots to experience a prestigious lifestyle. 

Monte Carlo has 3 beautiful casinos with nearly 1000 slot games and 86 table games. The most famous of them is the Casino de Monte-Carlo, built in 1863 and is the hub of gambling in the region. The casino operator of Monaco, named SBM, reported revenue of $605 million in 2022 alone. The country saw upwards of 200,000 tourists come in during 2019, which gives this special region in Monaco the tenth spot on our list. 

If historic casinos and the French Riviera interest you, Monte Carlo is the spot to go. Apart from the affluent lifestyle, they also have a thriving nightlife and the grand Maritime Alps for you to enjoy. 

9. Paradise Island - Bahamas

[source: tripadvisor.co.uk] 

An island getaway doesn’t get better than Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Whether you want nice beaches, a water park, fishing tours, or casinos, Paradise Island has it all. It also has the world’s largest open-air marine habitat showcasing the natural beauty of the tropics at its fullest. 

With 6 casinos all over the island, you can live the pirate life all without a boat and a crew. Coming to the Baha Mar Casino alone has over 1,100 slot games and 119 live tables for you to explore and enjoy alongside beautiful architecture. The island is a popular tourist attraction, with 2.8 million people coming in to experience the lavish lifestyle every year. 

Extensive water park rides, exquisite seafood, beautiful lagoons, and beaches await your arrival on the Island of Nassau. The capital of the Bahamas has a Caribbean feel with multiple casinos where you can enjoy your time.   

8. Marina Bay Sands - Singapore

[source: wikipedia.org]

Looking through the skyline of Singapore, your eyes will definitely land on the 55-story towers of Marina Bay. It is your one-stop shop for entertainment in the island nation, with everything from theatres to casinos. 

The resort has 6 gambling facilities, including the famous Marina Bay Sands Casino and Hfive5 Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands Casino alone has over 1,600 slot machines and 500 table games. It also made more than $593 million in revenue last year, which is only set to increase as more gamblers flock to it. 

You will have plenty of company when gambling inside the towering entertainment spot, as it attracts over 45 million visitors annually. 

If you want to experience the high life in a modern setting with all the amenities you need around you, Marina Bay Sands is second to none. The beautiful beach, spas, restaurants, and unlimited gambling at your fingertips are definitely worth visiting once. 

7. Atlantic City - USA

[source: wikipedia.org]

The Vegas of the east coast may not be as grand as the real deal, but it remains one of the biggest gambling hotspots in the US. The beach, boardwalk, and casinos all work together to make it one of the most popular tourist destinations across the world. 

Atlantic City may be past its prime, but it has 9 casinos, including the famous Borgata and Caesar’s. The Borgata Hotel Casino is absolutely enormous, with 2,549 slot games and 176 table games to immerse yourself in games from all over the world. 

All nine casinos combined reported gross revenue of over $731 million last year. With all the stats, it should come as no surprise that Atlantic City welcomes 27 million tourists every year. 

A historic and lively atmosphere near the beach is waiting for you in Atlantic City. With its world-famous nightlife and cityscapes, it is one of the most beautiful cities to visit if you want to gamble. 

6. Paris - France

[source: mirror.co.uk]

The famous city of lights and romance is not only one of the biggest tourist destinations but also a glamorous gambling outlet. The historic city has almost infinite entertainment spots, and gambling is a big part of that. 

Paris has a select collection of 6 beautifully designed casinos known locally as clubs. These elite establishments are renowned for their elegant stature and numerous games. The Paris Club Elyses has 23 table games with all the specialities like Blackjack, Bacarrat, and different variations of Poker. Just shy of 44 million tourists visited the city last year, and many came to gamble and enjoy the high life. 

Be it the attractions, historic buildings, monuments, culture, fine dining, or nightlife, Paris has everything you need to impress that special someone. That also includes taking some time to gamble in one of the most impressive casinos in the world. 

5. Sydney - Australia

[source: britannica.com]

Coming to the city that gets mistaken for being the capital of Australia, Sydney is famous for its attractions and sheer size. It also leads the country in terms of gambling revenue, as most casinos in Australia are located here, and visitors love the seaside atmosphere. 

Sydney has a total of 10 stunning casinos, including the Star Casino, formerly known as Star City Sydney. The massive casino has nearly 1,500 slot games and 130 table games spread across a dizzying 104,450 square feet. 

The casino also reported a revenue of A$237.5 million ($161 million) just last year. With 39 million tourists coming to the city, you won’t have a shortage of people to enjoy gaming with. 

Sydney has its architectural marvels like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to keep you company. There are plenty of zoos around as well to enjoy the local wildlife as well as exotic animals from all over the world. A gambling trip fit for you, and the kids can be had right here. 

4. San Jose - Costa Rica

[source: britannica.com]

The capital of San Jose is the seat of the culture, attractions, tourism, and the tropical climate of Costa Rica. With its diverse Pacific and Caribbean beaches and booming nightlife, a trip to San Jose will be a wild one. 

There are more than 17 casinos littered throughout the city ranging from big chains to smaller and cosier joints. The Grand Casino Escazú is one of the biggest, with flashy lights and delicious food, whereas Casino Club Colonial takes a backseat approach with a more elegant presentation. With over 1.3 million tourists coming in, the city is lively throughout the year. 

Although a massive gambling hub, San Jose also has various architectural marvels like the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza de la Cultura. The capital has plenty in terms of tradition, art, exotic food, and of course, gambling in every way possible! 

3. London - UK

[source: mirror.co.uk]

London has a centuries-long history of gambling which swung from positive to negative and back again. Today, the historic city has not only been a hub of multi-culturalism and English architecture but also a hub for gamblers throughout the country and the world. 

With over 20 casinos ranging from the modern Hippodrome Casino to the historic Empire Casino, gambling in London can be tailored to your preference easily. 

The Empire Casino alone has 127 slot machines and 50 table games for you to enjoy. Add to that more than 1000 betting shops spread all over the city, and you have the opportunity to gamble anywhere, which has attracted over 20 million tourists annually. 

2. Macau - China

[source: businessinsider.com]

The former Portuguese colony of Macau blends culture and art to bring forth one of the most diverse gambling atmospheres to date. The Vegas of Asia has some of the biggest casinos and limitless opportunities for tourism, from beautiful European architecture to luxurious hotels and delicacies from all over the world. 

The special administrative region has 36 casinos and has dethroned Las Vegas in terms of revenue by a wide margin, with $5.2 billion in 2020. Casinos like Venetian Macau, Casino Lisboa, and Casino Hotel MGM have become modern cultural icons for Macau. 

It receives over 30 million tourists every year, and most come to gamble in this historic region. 

From ancient temples to colonial relics, Macau has an interesting dynamic of Chinese and Portuguese elements all coming together. The gambling hotspot also features all the elements of the high life one could ever want, and a luxurious time awaits all tourists. 

1. Las Vegas - USA

[source: tripadvisor.co.uk] 

Despite challenges coming to it from all parts of the world, Las Vegas remains the gambling capital of the world. With casinos going up to triple digits, Vegas holds the crown not only in terms of quantity but also quality. 

The respect and admiration that gamblers have for the city and its casinos are second to none, making it the ultimate betting hotspot of the world! 

There are more than 60 major casinos in the city, with the number crossing 100 if you count in the minor casinos. All the iconic casinos, the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, the Venetian, the Wynn, and many more, are located here and have a long history of gamblers coming to visit. 

Casinos on the strip bring in a revenue of over $8.2 million annually, while the entire state of Nevada brings in $14.8 billion.

The city has 32 million visitors a year, which further cements its number-one rank. With its number one spot, Las Vegas also has become the epitome of experiencing high life with elegant hotels and exotic cuisine. 

Although gambling is everywhere, only a few cities have been able to attract people from all over the world to gamble within them. 

From cities steeped in European history and art like Paris and London to modern juggernauts like Macau, the means to gamble and the promise of entertainment makes these cities worth visiting for aspiring gamblers. 

Despite online gambling taking away a sizable chunk, these cities have an aura of luxury and opulence that makes them popular tourist destinations. 

Pack your bags, don’t forget your toothbrush, and book your next flight to any of the above regions to experience gambling in its truest form with gamblers from all over the world.