The world of casinos and gaming is one that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and the public at large for generations. There is just something about the festive atmosphere that you can find on a casino floor that makes for a great story. Everything from the lights and the sounds to the overjoyed patrons will leave you feeling like you’ve entered a whirlwind.
However, once you remove all the glitz and glamour and fictionalized Hollywood drama, what you are left with is still very intriguing. The best casinos around the world still have a fascinating story to tell. Let’s take a look at some picturesque and wondrous casinos that will entrance you upon your first visit.
The Flamingo: Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas is known as the gaming mecca in the United States and the strip is the center of it all. Here there are more than 50 casinos to choose from, and the oldest of all of them all is The Flamingo. This is one casino that truly embodies the romanticized history of the city.
In 1946, infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo casino and hotel with his partners. It’s been said that this was his attempt to leave his mafia connections behind and start a new enterprise that was independent of those illicit activities. The sad truth is Siegel would never be able to see his new casino prosper. He died suddenly in 1947 in a case that has never been solved.
Sun City Casino Resort: South Africa
While Las Vegas may be the quintessential casino backdrop, you can find these fabulous establishments in all corners of the globe. In South Africa, the incredible Sun City casino is located in the middle of a massive jungle. Right next to the casino is the Pilanesberg National Park, a place to see the famous animals of Africa like lions, elephants, and rhinos. Where else can you go directly from a casino to a majestic safari?
Sun City was built in 1979 as one of the biggest and most unique casino resorts of the era. It was built in a special zone, the independent province of Bophuthatswana as the South African government called it. This allowed it to freely cater to gaming patrons from around the world. Today, Sun City is an absolute wonderland with four hotels, two golf courses, a waterpark and more.
The Casino de Monte Carlo: Monaco
The history of the Casino de Monte Carlo is tightly woven into the legacy of Monaco, the second-smallest sovereign state in the world. Monaco has become synonymous with luxury, wealth, and a lavish lifestyle that few get to experience. By the end of the 18th century, the Casino de Monte Carlo was a playground for celebrities and royalty from around the world.
When you enter the Casino de Monte Carlo, you are greeted to some incredible views. Winding staircases, crystal chandeliers, and the famous exquisite gaming tables are everywhere, letting you know you have entered a world of class. These aesthetics have turned out to be the perfect setting for numerous Hollywood films, including many installments in the James Bond series. An interesting fact about this casino, actual Monaco residents are not allowed to participate in gaming here due to local laws. That makes this casino even more exclusive.
The Venetian Macao: Macau
In 2021, Macau is known worldwide as a leader in casinos and gaming, but back in 2007 the region was still struggling to find its identity. That is, until US casino magnate Sheldon Adelson struck a massive deal to create China’s answer to the Las Vegas strip in Macau. His $21 billion dollar investment has returned a fortune for the developer, and established Macau as a gaming paradise.
The Venetian Macao is an epic 39-story casino and resort that is credited with being the second largest casino in the entire world. With this massive space to utilize, the casino has broken the area into four distinctly themed areas named Golden Fish, Imperial House, Red Dragon and Phoenix. The casino and hotel uses Venice as the inspiration in its architecture, effectively recreating Italy’s most famous landmarks. It is a gorgeous place to spend a vacation.