Both by cultural reputation and the number of tourists they take in every year, Las Vegas and Macau are widely renowned as two of the global hubs for gambling enthusiasts. 

These cities are synonymous with gambling – when we think of Las Vegas we see bright lights and fancy machines, well-dressed card dealers and glamourous casino floors.

There are a host of famous casino hotspots around the world, but it may surprise you to learn that Ireland ranks 14th in the global rankings for gambling popularity per capita. 

Gambling is a multi-billion-euro industry and, in the advent of online gambling and digital machines, the way in which people gamble has evolved. 

In ancient times, the Greeks and the Romans would place wagers on chariot races and on games that have been lost over the centuries. 

Nowadays, many people enjoy betting through an app on their phone or even by buying a ticket for the lottery. 

Still, nothing can beat the excitement and the luxury of a high-quality casino with a good selection of games. 

This article will explore some of the destinations that are difficult to beat when it comes to elite casinos. 

Despite all the change in the industry, Las Vegas is still renowned as the most vibrant casino capital in the world, so let’s start there.

It is no surprise that Sin City is still considered the best spot for gambling enthusiasts across the globe. 

With 63 casinos in total, it is a metropolis explicitly designed for late-night entertainment and resorts. 

Las Vegas’ major casinos include the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand, two of which feature in the iconic Ocean’s Eleven film series starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

Even before gambling was legalised in the US, Las Vegas was packed full of illicit casinos and speakeasies. 

In 2019 alone, over 42 million tourists came to Las Vegas which statistically makes it the most popular gambling resort in the world.

Right behind Vegas is a place often referred to as “the Monte Carlo of the East” – China’s Macau.

China has a hugely illustrious gambling history and Macau is at the heart of it, home to more than 40 casinos. 

A trip to Macau might involve a chance to learn games like Mahjong, Pai Gow, Keno and Chinese Poker. 

Close to 40 million people visit Macau every year to try out the casinos on the small peninsula, which promotes a unique blend of Chinese and western culture. 

If you grow tired of all the casinos, you might be tempted to try Muay Thai or visit the Ruins of St Paul’s.

As far as individual casinos go, few can claim more notoriety than the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. 

Over 150 years of history and culture lie within the casino’s walls, and its clientele could be mistaken for aristocrats attending a lavish ball a century ago. 

A smart dress code and an opulent interior make for one of the classiest casinos around. 

Despite covering a small area, Monte Carlo is a beautiful district with plenty of greenery to go along with the extravagant buildings.

Prague is well known around Europe as one of the continent’s premier spots for nightlife. 

All kinds of excellent bars, clubs and restaurants are dotted around the city, which has long held a reputation for being more affordable than similar alternatives. 

If you find yourself in the mood to gamble in Prague, you will not be left disappointed by the 60 odd casinos it boasts.

Viva Casino is currently Prague’s largest, but options are there for all levels of gambling enthusiasts.

An iconic city, London has it all by way of late-night entertainment and, when it comes to gambling, it is a world-class destination. 

Plenty of prestigious casinos and gambling establishments hold major reputations in Lond, including the Ritz Club and the Hippodrome Casino. 

There is a broad range of old-school and contemporary casinos, meaning punters have a lot of freedom to play the kinds of games they most enjoy. 

The UK gambling market as a whole is one of the biggest in the world, and London is certainly the jewel in its crown.

Aruba might be a small island, but it punches well above its weight as a player on the global gambling scene.

All major resorts in Aruba have their own casinos and there are additional gambling outlets scattered across the area. 

The majority of the tourists that visit Aruba every year come from the United States in the hopes of experiencing an exotic party lifestyle.

Compared to some of the other destinations on this list, Singapore is in its infancy when it comes to gambling, with the nation’s first casino only opening in 2006. 

Still, as one of the world’s banking capitals, Singapore’s gambling market has grown quickly and developed into a hub for high stakes games in Southeast Asia. 

Marina Bay Sands is a particularly popular district for tourists looking to enjoy late-night entertainment.

Ireland’s gambling industry has gone from strength to strength over the last number of years as technological advancement has paved the way for better quality casinos. 

If you are interested in finding a first-rate, trustworthy casino in Ireland, look no further than the six Premier Casinos locations across the country.

Premier Casinos are a family-run chain of gambling institutions spread across Cork, Dublin and Kerry. 

Our establishments are known for their modern facilities and warm, intimate atmosphere harnessed by experienced staff. 

Each of our locations are kitted out with the very latest in roulette and slot machines, with our famous jackpots feature always keeping customers coming back in the hope of a big win. 

Read more about the nature and history of Premier Casinos.

Remember, gambling should never be seen as a way to make money – only bet what you can afford to lose and treat it as a form of entertainment. 

Premier Casinos are interested in providing you with a fun and safe time – don’t be afraid to take a break if that stops being the case.