10 best high roller destinations

Online travel agents Expedia have come up with their top 10 high roller gambling destinations.  Can’t say they’ve hit the nail flush on the head with this list which has a couple of questionable inclusions as well as glaring omissions (Marina Bay Sands for example doesn’t get a mention!). Then again, maybe their criteria focused on factors other than pure opulence and massive limits.

Anyway, for your reading interest, this is the list complete with excerpts of their commentary and a couple of my own thoughts.

1. MONTE CARLO, MONACO

Expedia says: ‘Perched above the Mediterranean and bounded by the French and Italian coastlines, Monaco provides a spectacular and luxurious setting for the wealthy and the wannabes.’

Fair enough.  No casino oozes old-school charm and sophistication like this place.  A glance at the cars parked out front at any given time (not to mention the motor-yachts in the harbour the casino overlooks) suggest most of patrons here have plenty to wager at the roulette tables.

2. PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

Expedia says: ‘Just off the shore of Nassau, Paradise Island is best known for its sprawling “Vegas-by-the-sea” resort, Atlantis. The resort spans seven acres along a lagoon, where guests can soak up the Caribbean sun and choose from a variety of outdoor gaming areas.’

Will have to take their word for it as I’ve never been unfortunately, however lagoons, Caribbean sun, a nice big casino and a few Bahama Mama’s (drink that is…or) sounds good to me. But a better high roller option than Vegas, Macau or Singapore…hmmmm?

3. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Expedia says: ‘As Australia’s sporting and entertainment capital, Melbourne offers the perfect option for high rollers looking for a holiday. Gamblers need look no further than Crown Casino on the southern bank of the Yarra River, which is one of the largest casino complexes in the southern hemisphere. The main gambling floor stretches more than half a kilometre and the casino was the first to introduce the new game Rapid Roulette’

After watching his dad Kerry drop tens of millions at casinos around the world (as well as put a few out of business), son James has decided to reshape his inherited Packer empire from a media business to a casino one…and Crown Melbourne is the cornerstone.  Understandably it is geared towards high rollers and a lot of money has been spent recently refurbishing the high roller suites and private gaming areas. They have a reputation for taking on the type of whales that make other Australian casinos nervous (eg. Mo Chan and Star City in Sydney).

Just a tip – that main gaming floor that stretches half a kilometre…impressively large as it is, if you are truly a high roller you’ll want to give it a miss and go straight to the private tables or you will learn first hand what an Australian bogan is.

4. LAS VEGAS

Expedia says: ‘With more than 1,700 licensed casinos in operation, Las Vegas offers the ultimate package for travellers who fancy a flutter. A visit to the famous strip is a must for any player, whether they’re looking for a spin on the roulette table or a game of blackjack. The iconic Caesars Palace hotel and casino offers 129,000 square feet of casino space plus an endless smorgasbord of entertainment’

I would have thought the (until recently) gambling capital of the world would have cracked the top 3…particularly from a travel point of view with the US peso making everything such a bargain state-side right now.  But then I guess value isn’t something on your average high roller’s checklist.  Still, in all other respects Vegas has to be near the top of the list.

5. MACAU, CHINA

Expedia says: ‘Known as the “Monte Carlo of the Orient,” and the gambling capital of Asia, Macau now rivals Monaco and Las Vegas as one of the premier gambling destinations in the world. With 33 casinos, in addition to local horse-and greyhound-racing venues, Macau is perfect for the betting junkie. The Wynn Macau casino is a standout, highlighted by 24-carat gold “Tree of Prosperity” at the entrance, extravagant water displays and the Moon Jellyfish Aquarium at reception.’

70% of Macau casino revenue comes from the VIP junket market.  In dollar terms that’s almost four times the size of the entire Vegas Strip.  This is BY FAR the largest high roller casino market in the world… the whales have voted with their chips to make this the clear number one high roller destination in the world.

6. BADEN-BADEN, GERMANY

Expedia says: ‘Situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and on the banks of the Oos River, Baden-Baden is not your typical casino town. However, in addition to its hot springs and picturesque countryside, the town is also known for its 200-yearold “Spielbank” casino – the oldest of its type in Germany. Its French château-style salon rooms are named after historical figures such as Madame Pompadour and Louis XV’s mistress.’

This is without question the most beautiful casino I have ever visited.  Think baby Casino Monte Carlo nestled in a park, within one of Germany’s and Europe’s prettiest towns.  It’s not big with a only a dozen or so tables but what it lacks in size it makes up for in pure style. You will need a jacket and tie to gain entry..generally not a problem for your average high roller. Also not a big issue for low rollers (like me) as they will happily loan you a jacket (I went with black velvet) if you don’t have our own.

7. MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES

Expedia says: ‘With a favourable exchange rate, Manila provides great value for those wanting to live the high life overseas. The city offers a range of shopping and entertainment options, along with a world-class casino at the Hyatt Hotel. Spread across three levels, the sparkling casino offers the newest in gaming facilities and is just a short distance from Manila’s tourist hub’

All I can think of is that Jack Nicholson line from the movie As Good as it Gets…”some Manila sailor wanna hump hump bar”.

8. SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Expedia says: ‘Known as Africa’s “kingdom of pleasure,” this luxury resort and casino complex, just two hours from Johannesburg, boasts two large casinos, two 18-hole golf courses and a wildlife reserve. At the extravagant yet picturesque Palace of the Lost City, guests are treated to stunning valley views from the guestrooms, along with exclusive access to the Grand Pool. The nearby Sun City Casino is the entertainment mecca of the resort’

The one time I visited Sun City I was with my parents, was 12 years old and was refused entry into the casino (actually didn’t even try and get in).  The pools were great though!  If there’s any truth to the the ‘kingdom of pleasure‘ title then I guess it deserves to be on the list.

9. ATLANTIC CITY

Expedia says: ‘Regarded as the United States’ Las Vegas of the East, Atlantic City in New Jersey is renowned for its gambling, shopping and fine dining. Towering above the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the Trump Taj Mahal casino is an icon of the city, with an on-site shopping district and an abundance of restaurants and bars. The 157,000-square-foot casino is also hard to miss, with 3,500 slot machines and 200 table games’

Have to defer to the guys at Expedia on this one.  Never been, but should go before it turns into a ghost town.

10. GENTING HIGHLANDS, MALAYSIA

Expedia says: ‘Nestled on the Titiwangsa mountain range, just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and 6,000 feet above sea level, the Resorts World Genting offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. This spectacular resort has firstclass accommodation, dining and entertainment, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of a capital city. The on-site casino, which covers 200,000 square feet, is Malaysia’s sole gaming venue’

Before Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa opened their doors this casino was the biggest in South East Asia. Even since the Singapore juggernauts have been running it is apparently holding its own so must be a pretty decent place with a loyal high roller following.