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Coolest international gambling destinations
As a connoisseur of risk, I have seen my fair share of glory and agony within the walls of lady luck. In Latin America, the casinos feel seedy and desperate, and a shower always seems to be good idea after leaving these smoky dens. Singapore casinos feel simple and clean, as though an army of robots lurks just beyond the curtain, meticulously tending to the unseen cogs that keep the experience running. Macau on an off day feels like the world just ended. Gigantic empty rooms full of smiling Macanese croupiers all enthusiastically welcome you to tables with delicate waves of upturned hands. It is like a creepy dream.
Vegas reminds me of the imitation crab in a California roll. You may know its fake, but you don't care because it is delicious. Likewise, the Vegas pyramid, faux Eiffel Tower, and mini New York skyline are obviously not real, but the kitschy feel speaks to the synthetic appeal of the modern American dream. In Europe, the casinos are ornate old world establishments where you will feel like you forgot your velvet smoking jacket, even if you don't own one.
So where are some of the coolest international places to thrown down on black and let it ride?
Macau, Macau
Macau was the first and last European foray into Chinese colonization. Portugal controlled the small administrative district until 1999 when they handed it back over to China. A gambling center since the mid-nineteenth century, it was once known as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient." Today, Macau is an autonomous region of China and is considered one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The one time fishing village on the pearl delta is China's ambitious version of Las Vegas - a sprawling complex of mega-casinos, shopping malls, and theme parks. In the Fisherman's Wharf area, a replica of a crashed black hawk helicopter with American soldiers clutching assault rifles sits next to some faux Middle Eastern buildings (above). It is one of the stranger pop culture nods I have found in a world with no shortage for bad taste.
Macau has surpassed its stateside desert brethren in overall gaming revenues - raking in four times the revenue of Las Vegas. Macau boasts many familiar gambling franchises: Wynn, The Venetian, and MGM Grand. All are pager friendly. Also, the Casino Lisboa is an Asian classic that has been dealing hands in Macau for forty years. Macau is just an hour ferry ride away from Hong Kong.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
One of the most prosperous countries in the world, Singapore is just beginning to stretch its gambling legs. With the construction of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino, Singapore has begun capitalizing on its unique position in Southeast Asia and the rising economic standards in this region. While the Marina Bay Sands looks like something a tsunami with a sense of humor would create, it has opened to resounding success and aesthetical complaints have been minimal. The three 55-story buildings serve as pillars for a "sky park" shaped like a boat. The building is extremely unique looking, and the views from the rooftop pool are exceptional. What do you think of the design (above) of the Marina Bay Sands?
Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco
Monte Carlo is located in Monaco - a playground for the mega-rich nestled between the French and Italian rivieras. Pearl white yachts sway in the calm Mediterranean harbor, and the bourgeois gamble away first world fortunes on carefree whims. Opened in 1863, the Monte Carlo Casino is as old school as it gets. Men are required to wear coats and ties. Women dress formal. This is the type of place where you feel like James Bond...until you lose all of your money and shamefully walk back to your hotel.
Baden-Baden Casino, Germany
The Black Forest of southern Germany is an unlikely place for world class gambling, but in the old bath town of Baden-Baden, gamblers wager euros inside the swank Casino Baden-Baden. The casino has a an aristocratic French air about it that is almost excessively opulent. Red carpets, crystal chandeliers, and gold moldings contribute to make this one of the most attractive casinos on the planet. Walking through the royal halls makes one feel like a working class Hapsburg. The town of Baden Baden is known for its natural baths that have been in use since Roman times. It is a really stunning city, and the Baden-Baden Casino fails to disappoint.
flickr images via justindelaney, william cho, myhsu, and m4tik
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
J.E.B. Mar 25th 2011 2:58PM
Try Afghanistan or Iraq. Our troops are gambling with their lives EVERY DAY.
trafficstripes Mar 25th 2011 4:01PM
The article failed to mention the Air Traffic Control tower at Reagan National in DC !
Poker Clif Mar 25th 2011 5:17PM
Interesting article, but this line was in very poor taste:
"While the Marina Bay Sands looks like something a tsunami with a sense of humor would create . . ."
Japan is running out of body bags and coffins, and you included a tsunami joke??
Michele Mar 27th 2011 3:07PM
I thought the same thing....My only hope was that this article was written well before the recent tragedy in Japan...
Audrey, CA Mar 25th 2011 5:48PM
Poker Clif, what a pity you are so devoid of a sense of humor that you can't separate real life from humor! We go to war and make jokes about fox holes, etc. We are basically a nation of fun loving peoples. I thought the Tsunami humor was quite funny. The building does look like a giant wave tossed a ship on top of it. That said, I would like to thank the author of the article for giving some very interesting facts with lovely pictures included. I especially liked the gibes at Vegas, the place is so far out, but what a pity that it now has become so expensive to gamble there, they really cater to the young and the rich and in so doing, they have "priced us middle class out". Big mistake!!!!!
Remy Mar 25th 2011 5:57PM
Good article but very subjective, of course. I have seen quite a few casinos around the world and agree with your assessments, although I do think that Vegas has much to offer and not necessarily on the strip - there are some attractive and fun casinos just outside of the strip. Also, online casinos are fun. Check out casinosonlinerus.com for more information.
mac mckoy Mar 27th 2011 9:45AM
I loved the pictures. thanks
...and Humor is only funny when we can see how it would "offend" someone...and we say it any way. that's Humor.
zillaspeak Apr 11th 2011 1:46AM
no, that's "ridicule". Humor is when its fun for everyone
takeshoes.com Mar 27th 2011 11:44AM
Macau casinos are known！
Judd Mar 27th 2011 1:05PM
You missed one of the most unusual locations. The Highlands in Malaysia. Hugh hotel and Amusement complex perched atop a mountain. You start gambling dodging the tour buses coming down the twisting highway to climb up the mountain to get to the site. A very interesting trip to lose your money.
Justin Delaney Mar 27th 2011 1:05PM
@Judd
That sounds like a really cool spot to gamble. Is it just outside of KL? I may pencil it in for a future journey.
judd Mar 27th 2011 8:24PM
For Jim and anyone else that are interested, check out http://www.rwgenting.com.
This site gives a good overview of the location and facilities. It is located 57 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur off the main north highway to Ipoh. Buses and limo services are available from KL directly to Genting Highlands.
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