You’ve seen Casino Royale with James Bond. You’ve always wanted to glide up to a swanky casino in a primo ride, stroll through the doors dressed to kill, and order your Martini shaken, not stirred. The thrill of gambling is matched only by the number of thrilling casinos in the world in which to place your bets. Check out the best casino destinations for 2026, book your flights, and let the good times roll.
Macau
Macau is a territory of China previously under Portuguese rule for over 400 years. In 1999, Macau was returned to China, under the condition of autonomy for 50 years. This special status allowed gambling and casinos to not only operate, but flourish.
Macau is now one of the largest gambling cities in the world, often surpassing Las Vegas in annual gaming revenue. The largest casino in the world, The Venetian Macao, is located here. Modeled after Venice, this luxury hotel-casino even contains a network of canals snaking through it, complete with gondolas pushed along by gondoliers.
Macau has its own currency and legal system apart from mainland China, and more than half of Macau’s government revenue still comes from gambling. The skyline is dominated by integrated resorts, and while you’ll find slots, lotteries, and sports betting, baccarat is the main attraction on casino floors in 2026.
Since gambling is illegal in mainland China, a large portion of tourism comes from Hong Kong, as well as travelers from across Asia and the West. Add in Michelin-star dining and a unique fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cuisine, and Macau is a bucket-list stop for casino travelers.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has long been one of the most desired European destinations for travelers of all kinds. The gorgeous architecture, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and sandy beaches make Barcelona a true gem of a gambling city.
But there’s one aspect of Barcelona that often gets overlooked, and that’s its casino scene. Casino Barcelona is the cosmopolitan gaming center that dreams are made of. There, you’ll find luxury dining, exciting live music, high-stakes poker and blackjack tables, and all the slots you could imagine.
Plan a thrilling trip around Europe, or just Spain alone, and discover what Casino Barcelona and other Spanish casinos can offer. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.
Cape Town, South Africa
Gambling laws vary throughout Africa, but South Africa is home to several licensed casino resorts that cater to tourists and locals alike. In Cape Town, the standout venue is GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World, which houses all the staple casino games—blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and more—alongside theaters, ice skating, restaurants, and live shows.
You can spend your days sightseeing, surfing, or scuba diving, then unwind at a casino resort in the evening. Horse racing and sports betting are also popular in South Africa, giving gambling enthusiasts plenty of options. In Cape Town, there’s something for everyone, and it’s an easy recommendation for casino players seeking a mix of nature and nightlife.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Few gambling meccas surpass the Old World charm of Monte Carlo. Its elegant architecture and European flair is right at home on the French Riviera. Monaco is an independent microstate (with its own royal family) located on the famous stretch of coastline that includes Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. So combine your gambling with some beachcombing, and tour the region for a serious splash of opulent culture.
The most splendid casino in Monte Carlo is the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. This 1863 building was featured in numerous James Bond movies and is instantly recognizable to casino fans. Several other luxurious casinos await visitors, including Sun Casino, Monte-Carlo Bay Casino, and Casino Café de Paris. In addition to gaming, you can shop in exclusive boutiques, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, and stroll along a marina filled with mega-yachts.
Paradise Island, Bahamas
If you dream of gambling on a beach in a Western tropical paradise, head to the Bahamas and hit the beaches on Paradise Island. Paradise Island connects to Nassau by a bridge, and the sprawling Atlantis Resort dominates much of the island. What began as a major redevelopment project has become one of the most well-known casino resorts in the world.
Over 700 slots and more than 80 table games await you in the casino, and the resort offers a lush, tropical environment filled with lagoons, beach bars, and family-friendly attractions. Walk through open-air aquariums, plunge down towering water slides, or relax at beachside lounges before visiting the casino floor in the evening.
Beyond Atlantis, Nassau and nearby islands also offer gaming and sportsbook facilities, and the Baha Mar complex on New Providence has become another major luxury option for casino travelers.
Singapore
Located at the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore is a luxurious country with a booming economy. Although casino gambling only became legal in the 2000s, the city now boasts two world-class integrated resorts: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
These resorts combine gaming with upscale hotels, high-end shopping, celebrity-chef dining, theme parks, aquariums, and skyline views. Singapore remains highly regulated, but for international visitors it offers one of the most polished casino experiences in the world.
We highly suggest visiting Singapore if your budget can afford the opportunity, as you’ll never run out of exciting activities, grand adventures, and sensational gambling events.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Visit the world’s famous playground, Atlantic City. A stroll through Atlantic City reveals very familiar street names like Baltic Avenue, Mediterranean Avenue, and Boardwalk. Only then do you realize that the classic Monopoly game board was named entirely after streets in Atlantic City. It’s no wonder that Boardwalk is the big prize in Monopoly, because the Atlantic City Beach Boardwalk (built in 1870) is currently home to the most famous casinos on the East Coast.
Atlantic City was originally a resort town and an escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Gambling became officially legal in 1976, and Atlantic City casinos sprung up along the Boardwalk, bringing major Las Vegas names like Caesars, Bally’s, and Harrah’s.
In the modern era, casinos like Borgata, Hard Rock, and Ocean Casino Resort anchor the city’s gaming scene, while New Jersey’s legalized sports betting industry has added a whole new dimension to the experience. For an East Coast alternative to Las Vegas, Atlantic City remains a staple.
The Rebirth of Atlantic City
After the boom of the Roaring Twenties came the bust. In an effort to revitalize Atlantic City, gambling became officially legal in 1976, and Atlantic City casinos sprung up all along the Boardwalk, giving the place a huge boost in revenues and economic reputation. Naturally, Las Vegas casino empires expanded to Atlantic City, so you can visit East Coast versions of Caesars, Bally’s, Harrah’s, and the Tropicana. Failed Trump casinos re-opened as the Golden Nugget and Hard Rock Hotel Casino in recent years.
The Roaring Twenties lavishly portrayed in Boardwalk Empire marked a second revival of sorts. Since the airing of the HBO series, several hotels and casinos in Atlantic City have adopted the 20s theme. Right down to the art deco design, 1920s-style staff uniforms, and music from that era. So for a blast from the past with all the mod-cons of this age, head to Atlantic City.
The Heavyweight Champion Casino City: Las Vegas
Nothing beats the legend of Las Vegas. Located in the middle of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, this scintillating Sin City has seen casino cruising and crooning action from legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Elvis. The lights of the famous Las Vegas Strip are unmatched, and the entertainment offerings seem limitless.
The Strip is lined with world-class resorts like the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and Wynn. Visitors snack on casino buffets, sip complimentary drinks, catch magic shows, witness acrobatics from global performance troupes, and soak up nightlife that runs until sunrise.
In 2026, Las Vegas continues to reinvent itself with major sporting events, concerts, residencies, and conventions drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Whether it’s blackjack, poker tournaments, or slot play you’re after, Vegas delivers the full casino experience and then some.
Pack Your Bags, Pick Your Tables
As we roll into 2026, exciting gambling adventures—and some legendary mainstays—await casino travelers around the world. Whether you’re jetting off to Europe for old-school glamour, venturing into Asia for mega-resort gaming, or staying stateside for Boardwalk nostalgia, each destination offers its own cocktail of culture, casinos, and nightlife.
Wherever you go, enjoy the journey, explore responsibly, and may luck be on your side!
