Las Vegas might be the city most synonymous with gambling, but it's certainly not the only destination worthy of a spot on a player's bucket list. USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of travel agents specializing in gambling travel to find the best gambling destinations on the planet, and the results are in.
Simply put, Foxwoods is one of the largest casino complexes in all of America – the second largest, in fact, behind the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. On the same note, the poker room's 147 tables place it third on the list of largest card rooms in the country, trailing only Commerce Casino (210) and Bicycle.
The WinStar World Resort is the largest casino in the United States Being in a remote area and sort of off the radar, the WinStar has snuck up on the folks who cover the United States gambling market, and who direct their focus on Vegas, Atlantic City, and the growing Pennsylvania casino market. And in fact, the rise of WinStar has been swift. Located in the largest casino market in the world, the Venetian Macao is spread over 550,000 square feet. It was opened in 2007 offering 3,000 luxury rooms for guests with 3,400 slot machines, 800 casino tables, and the 15,000 seat CotaiArena that hosts a range of entertainment acts and events. MGM Grand Casino, Las Vegas. The Venetian Macao, Macau, China The largest casino ever built in the world is the Venetian Macao that possesses a gaming area that covers 550,000 square feet of space. The 39 storey building was. The largest casino in the world is The Venetian Macao. This massive and brilliantly luxurious casino is a true testament to gambling worldwide. Owned by Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands, The Venetian Macao provides guests with a similar vibe.
Atlantic City
Gaming comes in all shapes and sizes in Atlantic City, the biggest gambling destination on the Eastern seaboard. Gambling fans who visit AC have eight major casino resorts to choose from, including the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (nominated for Best U.S. Casino). A lively beach and boardwalk add to the appeal.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic CityConnecticut
Popular with gamblers from surrounding states, Connecticut boasts two of the nation's top casino resorts (not to mention two of the largest in the world) – Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun – a pair that earns the state a spot on the list of top gambling destinations.
Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Resort CasinoLas Vegas
Sin City hardly needs an introduction; casinos and Las Vegas go together like peanut butter and jelly, and when most people think gambling, it's this city in the desert that likely comes to mind. Even non-players will find something to occupy their time in the Gambling Capital of the USA, as the assortment of shopping, entertainment and restaurants is hard to beat.
Photo courtesy of moodboardMonte Carlo, Monaco
For gambling a la James Bond, head to the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, situated on the coast of the principality of Monaco in Europe. Monte Carlo owes its immense wealth to the establishment of casinos during the 19th century, including the spectacular Belle Époque-eraCasino de Monte Carlo. Gorgeous Mediterranean scenery only strengthens the appeal.
Photo courtesy of OlliesammonsReno
Reno, the 'Biggest Little Town in the World,' was once the gambling capital of the nation before Las Vegas took over. With some two dozen casinos to choose from, Reno still offers plenty of non-stop gaming action, all in close proximity to outdoor adventures at Lake Tahoe and the California border.
Photo courtesy of Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors AuthoritySan Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico gives Americans the opportunity to gamble in a tropical paradise, no passport required! Many of PR's two dozen casinos are located in the historic capital, many are open 24/7 and all take the U.S. dollar as currency. Popular options include the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Renaissance La Concha San Juan and the Ritz-Carlton San Juan Casino and Spa.
Photo courtesy of SeanPavonePhotoOn a Cruise
While cruise ships aren't technically a destination, they do provide a unique opportunity for gamblers to hit the slots and tables at a variety of different destinations and even during days at sea. Most cruise ship casinos offer a less intense experience than the big land-based operations, making them great for beginners, but more advanced players can opt for themed cruises with poker rooms, high limits and multiple tournaments.
Photo courtesy of JupiterimagesAruba
One of the hottest spots in the Caribbean for a gambling getaway, Aruba has the distinction of being the birthplace of Caribbean Stud Poker. Many of the island's casinos can be found in the resorts along Palm Beach or in downtown Oranjestad, making it convenient to transition from the poker table to the beach. The Stellaris Casino ranks among the islands largest and best casinos.
Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism AuthorityNassau, Bahamas
For high stakes excitement in a tropical paradise, look no further than Nassau in the Bahamas. Located a short hour flight from Florida, this sun-drenched island getaway has it all: beaches, water sports, Caribbean restaurants and casinos. A must-visit for gamblers is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, home to 7 acres of gaming space and host of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, the world's largest poker tournament after the World Series of Poker.
Photo courtesy of SpondylolithesisNiagara Falls, N.Y./Ontario
After witnessing the grandeur of the spectacular falls, visitors to Niagara on either side of the border have a range of gaming options to choose from. On the Canadian side, Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort offer a combined 4,500 slots and 145 table games, while on the U.S. side, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino boasts another 4,000 slots and 100-plus table games.
Photo courtesy of AlexPro9500
After four weeks of voting, USA TODAY 10Best readers have chosen Atlantic City as their favorite gambling destination. The gambling capital of the Eastern seaboard boats eight major casino resorts, as well as an appealing beach boardwalk setting.
Runner-up for Best Gambling Destination was Connecticut, a state where you'll also find the second- and third-place finishers for 'Best U.S. Casino.' Standard blackjack dealer rules.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Gambling Destination are as follows:
- Atlantic City
- Connecticut
- On a Cruise
A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Sarah Lee (TraveLee) and Brandi Poss (Mexico Group Travel) were chosen based on their extensive knowledge of casino and gambling travel.
Additional nominees for 'Best Gambling Destination' included London, Los Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Paris, Punta Cana, San Jose, Singapore, Sint Maarten and Sydney.
10Best and USA TODAY extend their congratulations to all the winners. The contest was promoted on 10Best and USA TODAY.
The Experts
Sarah Lee
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over.. Read More
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over running a luxury travel advisory company - TraveLee. In her spare time, she has played in International poker tournaments in Europe, Australia, Asia and the US. On top of friends/connections in the gaming industry, she has personal experiences inside many of the top international casinos.
Sarah Lee
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over running a luxury travel advisory company - TraveLee. In her spare time, she has played in International poker tournaments in Europe, Australia, Asia and the US. On top of friends/connections in the gaming industry, she has personal experiences inside many of the top international casinos.
Brandi Poss
Brandi Poss works as a travel agent for Mexico.. Read More
Brandi Poss works as a travel agent for Mexico Group Travel, a travel agency in Chicago specializing in group and casino vacations to Mexico. Brandi works with dozens of all-inclusive resorts that have casinos inside of their properties. Many resorts will claim to have a casino, but Mexico Group Travel doesn't consider 9 slot machines and 1 table a real casino. There's a difference between a Vegas-style casino and a room with slot machines, and that's where this agency come in.
Brandi Poss
List Of World's Largest Casinos
Atlantic City
Gaming comes in all shapes and sizes in Atlantic City, the biggest gambling destination on the Eastern seaboard. Gambling fans who visit AC have eight major casino resorts to choose from, including the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (nominated for Best U.S. Casino). A lively beach and boardwalk add to the appeal.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic CityConnecticut
Popular with gamblers from surrounding states, Connecticut boasts two of the nation's top casino resorts (not to mention two of the largest in the world) – Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun – a pair that earns the state a spot on the list of top gambling destinations.
Photo courtesy of Foxwoods Resort CasinoLas Vegas
Sin City hardly needs an introduction; casinos and Las Vegas go together like peanut butter and jelly, and when most people think gambling, it's this city in the desert that likely comes to mind. Even non-players will find something to occupy their time in the Gambling Capital of the USA, as the assortment of shopping, entertainment and restaurants is hard to beat.
Photo courtesy of moodboardMonte Carlo, Monaco
For gambling a la James Bond, head to the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, situated on the coast of the principality of Monaco in Europe. Monte Carlo owes its immense wealth to the establishment of casinos during the 19th century, including the spectacular Belle Époque-eraCasino de Monte Carlo. Gorgeous Mediterranean scenery only strengthens the appeal.
Photo courtesy of OlliesammonsReno
Reno, the 'Biggest Little Town in the World,' was once the gambling capital of the nation before Las Vegas took over. With some two dozen casinos to choose from, Reno still offers plenty of non-stop gaming action, all in close proximity to outdoor adventures at Lake Tahoe and the California border.
Photo courtesy of Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors AuthoritySan Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico gives Americans the opportunity to gamble in a tropical paradise, no passport required! Many of PR's two dozen casinos are located in the historic capital, many are open 24/7 and all take the U.S. dollar as currency. Popular options include the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Renaissance La Concha San Juan and the Ritz-Carlton San Juan Casino and Spa.
Photo courtesy of SeanPavonePhotoOn a Cruise
While cruise ships aren't technically a destination, they do provide a unique opportunity for gamblers to hit the slots and tables at a variety of different destinations and even during days at sea. Most cruise ship casinos offer a less intense experience than the big land-based operations, making them great for beginners, but more advanced players can opt for themed cruises with poker rooms, high limits and multiple tournaments.
Photo courtesy of JupiterimagesAruba
One of the hottest spots in the Caribbean for a gambling getaway, Aruba has the distinction of being the birthplace of Caribbean Stud Poker. Many of the island's casinos can be found in the resorts along Palm Beach or in downtown Oranjestad, making it convenient to transition from the poker table to the beach. The Stellaris Casino ranks among the islands largest and best casinos.
Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism AuthorityNassau, Bahamas
For high stakes excitement in a tropical paradise, look no further than Nassau in the Bahamas. Located a short hour flight from Florida, this sun-drenched island getaway has it all: beaches, water sports, Caribbean restaurants and casinos. A must-visit for gamblers is the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, home to 7 acres of gaming space and host of the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, the world's largest poker tournament after the World Series of Poker.
Photo courtesy of SpondylolithesisNiagara Falls, N.Y./Ontario
After witnessing the grandeur of the spectacular falls, visitors to Niagara on either side of the border have a range of gaming options to choose from. On the Canadian side, Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort offer a combined 4,500 slots and 145 table games, while on the U.S. side, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino boasts another 4,000 slots and 100-plus table games.
Photo courtesy of AlexPro9500
After four weeks of voting, USA TODAY 10Best readers have chosen Atlantic City as their favorite gambling destination. The gambling capital of the Eastern seaboard boats eight major casino resorts, as well as an appealing beach boardwalk setting.
Runner-up for Best Gambling Destination was Connecticut, a state where you'll also find the second- and third-place finishers for 'Best U.S. Casino.' Standard blackjack dealer rules.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Gambling Destination are as follows:
- Atlantic City
- Connecticut
- On a Cruise
A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Sarah Lee (TraveLee) and Brandi Poss (Mexico Group Travel) were chosen based on their extensive knowledge of casino and gambling travel.
Additional nominees for 'Best Gambling Destination' included London, Los Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Paris, Punta Cana, San Jose, Singapore, Sint Maarten and Sydney.
10Best and USA TODAY extend their congratulations to all the winners. The contest was promoted on 10Best and USA TODAY.
The Experts
Sarah Lee
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over.. Read More
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over running a luxury travel advisory company - TraveLee. In her spare time, she has played in International poker tournaments in Europe, Australia, Asia and the US. On top of friends/connections in the gaming industry, she has personal experiences inside many of the top international casinos.
Sarah Lee
Sarah W Lee has traveled the world many times over running a luxury travel advisory company - TraveLee. In her spare time, she has played in International poker tournaments in Europe, Australia, Asia and the US. On top of friends/connections in the gaming industry, she has personal experiences inside many of the top international casinos.
Brandi Poss
Brandi Poss works as a travel agent for Mexico.. Read More
Brandi Poss works as a travel agent for Mexico Group Travel, a travel agency in Chicago specializing in group and casino vacations to Mexico. Brandi works with dozens of all-inclusive resorts that have casinos inside of their properties. Many resorts will claim to have a casino, but Mexico Group Travel doesn't consider 9 slot machines and 1 table a real casino. There's a difference between a Vegas-style casino and a room with slot machines, and that's where this agency come in.
Brandi Poss
List Of World's Largest Casinos
World's Largest Casino Oklahoma
Brandi Poss works as a travel agent for Mexico Group Travel, a travel agency in Chicago specializing in group and casino vacations to Mexico. Brandi works with dozens of all-inclusive resorts that have casinos inside of their properties. Many resorts will claim to have a casino, but Mexico Group Travel doesn't consider 9 slot machines and 1 table a real casino. There's a difference between a Vegas-style casino and a room with slot machines, and that's where this agency come in.
