The Best Cities in the World for a Casino Getaway

Weekend getaways are growing in popularity in many parts of the world, the UAE included. If you’re fond of such trips, it might be interesting to spice them up with some special ingredients, i.e., arrange themed trips, such as casino getaways. 

It would be smart to first try and practice your playing skills through online platforms, such as the feature-rich sites on Business2Community's recommendations. Senior iGaming editor Jack Schiffko does recommend using a VPN when playing iGames online from the UAE, though, as this area is still in the process of legalization. 

As a matter of fact, the UAE government has set a federal entity in charge of handling the adoption of laws that would allow gambling in this country. 

In the meantime, hop on our guide to some of the best cities out there for a casino getaway. 

Monte Carlo

Monaco isn’t only the key Mediterranean spot for the jet set. It’s also the most important destination for casino lovers around the Mediterranean Sea. The second-smallest country in Europe after the Vatican, Monaco has been a tax haven since 1869, when the local government stopped taxing the Monegasque citizens for their personal income. 

Today, many foreigners come to Monaco and its largest district Monte Carlo to play roulette, slots, card games, and other entertaining and potentially profitable games. What’s more, many of them become local residents, due to the aforementioned loose tax regulations. 

Another benefit is that you can take home all the winnings you make at brick-and-mortar casinos in Monaco, as such earnings are also exempt from taxes. 

The extra bonus is that no other casino destination offers the opportunity to observe the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and celebrities from the comfort of your gambling facility.

There are dozens of exquisite casinos in Monaco, but one stands out for its architecture: the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Largely owned by the Monaco government, it is one of the most beautifully ornamented casinos in the world and a one-of-a-kind venue in general, accommodating the opera hall, the ballet hall, and a casino under the same roof. 

Also, bear in mind that most Monegasque casinos have a strict dress code, requiring that their guests wear suits, tuxedos, dresses, and formal shoes. This is an especially valuable piece of information for the guests paying a visit to Monaco casinos from their boats, speedboats, and yachts. So, bring a smart piece of apparel with you when going on your casino quests in Monaco.

Prague

While Central Europe isn’t famous worldwide for casinos and betting parlors, Prague is somewhat different. One of the most visited cities in the world, the capital of Czechia has been increasing its casino offer in recent years. 

There are currently more than 20 casinos operating in Prague, most of which are open non-stop. Still, you’ll get the real feel of such places only after 10 pm, when most other tourist facilities and restaurants close their doors. The games available at these casino venues in Prague are traditional casino games, from roulette and slots to blackjack, Texas Hold ’em, and other mainstream card games.

Speaking of card games, there’s a tradition of playing cards at local pubs called pivnica. Local people often gather to drink beer and play international and domestic cards alike. What’s more, locals here might even use Hungarian playing cards - a set of 32 cards, completely different from the classical 52-card deck. If you have enough time and interest in these domestic particulars, join the Prague people in such card endeavors. 

Macau

Since its handover from Portugal to China in 1999, Macau has had a special administrative status. While it is formally part of China, Macau enjoys a high level of autonomy. Had it not been that way, it wouldn’t be possible for the local Macau government to issue licenses for casinos, since gambling is prohibited in China.

With 710,000 people living within the area of 32.9 sq km (12.7 square miles), this is the most densely populated area in the world. 

Within this territory, there has been a tremendous rise in the number and size of casino resorts; to be more precise, 26 casinos are placed within as little as 11 sq mi. While the major international casino companies have built their facilities here, there are some local acts that offer a unique experience not possible anywhere else. Hence, tourists can try various options, from different gaming environments to a plethora of card games. 

There are direct flights to Macau from other Asian cities, plus, there’s a combination of a ferry and a train from Hong Kong to Macau, so this journey takes a bit less than 2 hours. Already figuring out a tour de East Asia with these two spots on your itinerary? Go get it and you won’t regret it. 

Las Vegas

A list of the best cities for a casino holiday would be incomplete without Las Vegas. It’s hard to say something about Vegas that people interested in gambling don’t know, but here are a few things to consider. 

First and foremost, the dress code in most casinos in Las Vegas is less strict than at gambling venues in, say, Monaco described above. Be aware, however, that a dressing combination allowed during the daytime might not be allowed in the evening at the same place. 

Today, Las Vegas offers numerous complementary entertaining activities in addition to gambling. So, even if visiting casinos is the main reason why you’ve come to this Nevada gambling haven, you might actually spend the same amount of time doing other fun activities. 

As we know the casino gross revenue in Nevada was $15.5 billion in 2023, with Pennsylvania in second place with “only” $5.5 billion, this business and tourist recipe still works, attracting millions of Americans and foreign travelers to Vegas every year.

The Guide’s End

Gambling and betting, either online or offline, is an entertaining activity, especially for working people who want to relax from their daily errands and business tasks. The cities above offer enough such fun and amusement for a weekend getaway or longer holidays. If you decide to visit any of them, follow our guidelines and learn more about each destination in question, to spend a relaxing and responsible vacation there.