Casinos aren't just smoky gaming halls tucked away in dim corners anymore. These days, luxury casino resorts are their own kind of destination — amazing buildings that mix gambling with fine dining, nightlife, shopping, entertainment, and even family-friendly attractions. Think of them less as "blackjack joints" and more as places where you can have fun all day. Roll dice in the morning, swim with dolphins in the afternoon, and enjoy Michelin-starred dining by night.
This list shows ten places you've got to visit where top-notch gaming meets culture, adventure, and experiences you'll never forget. Whether you're a poker fanatic, a slots enthusiast, or just curious about the scene, these casinos prove that gaming tourism is about far more than chasing jackpots.
(Pro tip: if you’re planning to travel and gamble, it pays to get the best value from your bankroll. Sites like VIP-Grinders casino bonus codes let you compare exclusive deals and promotions before stepping into a casino.)
1. The Venetian Macao (Macau, China)
The Venetian Macao isn't just a casino — it's a whole empire. It covers 40 floors and has over 3,000 luxury suites, which makes it the world's largest casino complex. Inside, you'll find over 800 table games and 3,400 slot machines spread across four themed gaming areas.
But the fun doesn't stop there. The resort's Grand Canal Shoppes recreate Venice with indoor canals, gondola rides, and frescoed ceilings. There are more than 350 shops, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants and big shows at the Cotai Arena, which makes it a city within a city.
Once you've had a chance to try your luck, step outside to explore Macao's UNESCO-listed historic centre, Portuguese-influenced cuisine, and lively Cotai Strip.
2. Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)
Marina Bay Sands is one of the most instantly recognisable skylines around, with its three 56-storey towers topped with the futuristic SkyPark. The casino alone is spread over four levels, but the resort has a lot more to offer than just gambling.
The SkyPark's 151-metre-long infinity pool offers the surreal experience of floating above the city. If you're looking for a place to eat, there are celebrity chef restaurants, a luxury mall, the ArtScience Museum and the Gardens by the Bay right downstairs.
Why visit? There's nothing quite like sipping champagne while looking down at Singapore's glittering skyline from that rooftop perch - it's the ultimate way to experience a casino trip in Asia.
3. Bellagio (Las Vegas, USA)
Las Vegas is all about gaming, but the Bellagio is still the star of the show. The 100,000-ft² casino floor has thousands of slots, high-stakes poker rooms and one of the Strip's most refined sportsbook lounges.
Outside, the famous fountains of Bellagio put on a show that stops everyone in their tracks. Inside, you'll find the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and Dale Chihuly's amazing ceiling masterpiece, the Fiori di Como.
Pair that with a meal at Picasso or Le Cirque, plus a visit to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and you've got the full Vegas elegance package.
4. Casino de Monte-Carlo (Monaco)
If Bond ever had a natural habitat, this is it. The Casino de Monte-Carlo has been a regular haunt for royalty, celebrities and high rollers since way back in the 19th century. The Belle Époque palace is decked out in marble, chandeliers and frescoes, with private rooms reserved for Europe's gaming elite.
As well as the roulette wheels, you can catch a show at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, stroll through the landscaped gardens, or shop in Monaco's fancy boutiques. And don't forget to wander down to the harbour to see yachts worth more than small countries.
5. Wynn Resorts: Wynn Las Vegas & Wynn Palace (USA & Macau)
Steve Wynn's properties are the ultimate in casino luxury. Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Palace Macau are both built with airy, natural-light-filled interiors, and they offer high-end gaming, dining and shopping.
Some of the most popular attractions include the Lake of Dreams in Vegas, where there are multimedia performances that light up the night, and Macau's Performance Lake, where you can go on a gondola ride against a backdrop of dazzling fountains. Both of these places also have art collections that have been carefully chosen, so they're also cultural spaces as well as gaming ones.
6. City of Dreams (Macau, China)
Another big name on the Cotai Strip is City of Dreams, a huge resort complex that's totally redefining casino tourism. With hotels like Nüwa, Morpheus and Grand Hyatt, it's got everything from opulent suites to five-star dining.
The showstopper? The House of Dancing Water is an amazing acrobatic water performance that's considered one of the world's best. The casino floor is a hive of activity, with baccarat, poker and slots all popular. And there are upscale shops and bars that attract non-gamers too.
7. Sun City Resort (South Africa)
Sun City is like Africa's answer to Vegas, tucked away in the bushveld. The resort is 33 km² and has a huge casino, concert venues and a great nightlife.
But what really makes it stand out are its adventure and family attractions: the Valley of Waves water park, a record-breaking 2 km zip line, and the Maze of the Lost City. Golf fans will know its championship courses, designed by Gary Player.
And if you're looking for a bit of adventure, you can't go wrong with a safari at nearby Pilanesberg National Park, where you can catch a glimpse of lions and elephants before heading back to the tables.
8. Atlantis Paradise Island (Bahamas)
Atlantis is a great place for families and gamers. Its casino is right on the water, with 85 table games and over 700 slot machines.
Outside the gaming floor, Aquaventure water park has awesome slides like the Leap of Faith, while Dolphin Cay offers unique marine encounters. Add in 21 restaurants, 14 pools, and beautiful Bahamian beaches, and you've got paradise with poker.
9. Casino di Venezia (Venice, Italy)
The oldest casino in the world is the Casino di Venezia, which is housed in a Renaissance palace on the Grand Canal. You can expect to find Murano glass chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and a timeless sense of glamour.
The gaming floor has hundreds of tables and 600 slot machines, and the entrance fee gets you chips and a drink. Pair the experience with a gondola ride, a visit to St. Mark's Basilica, or simply getting lost in Venice's labyrinth of streets and canals.
10. Crown Melbourne (Australia)
And finally, in the Southern Hemisphere, Crown Melbourne is the big name on the Yarra River waterfront. Its casino floor alone covers 220,000 ft² with 540 tables and 2,500 poker machines.
The place has three hotel towers, some amazing restaurants (like Nobu and Rockpool) and a huge ballroom called the Palladium Ballroom, which makes it pretty special. At night, the Gas Brigades fire towers shoot fireballs into the sky — an unforgettable spectacle that rivals any Vegas show.
When you need a break from the casino, why not take a stroll through Melbourne's arts precinct or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Southbank's riverfront?