When it comes to the world's top casinos, it's about far more than just gambling. It's true that for many casinos the gaming activities represent the largest proportion of their income, but most realize that it's vitally important to offer visitors a whole lot more.
Modern casinos are entertainment centers and many of them boast about being a family-friendly destination, with entertainment options for all members of the family, young and old.
We've put together a list of some of the top casinos around the world. If you're planning a Casino Holiday for the family, then these are definitely worth a look.
American Casinos
Las Vegas. Perhaps the most famous casino district in the world. Located in the unforgiving Nevada desert, Las Vegas is a veritable oasis of lights, tourists, entertainment...and money.
Of all the casinos along the renowned Las Vegas Strip, Caesar's Palace must certainly be one of the most famed. With a huge gaming area, consisting of two wings - one for serious high-rollers and the other for Joe Average - the casino contains over 2000 slot and video poker machines, card tables, roulette wheels and pretty much everything you'd expect from a top, top casino.
The setting is opulent and impressive - it's not called a palace for nothing. Classic vaulted ceilings combine with striking marble columns and archways to create an environment that projects grandeur. This is one casino definitely worth a visit and its no wonder it attracts as many tourists as it does gamers.
From the US we head south.
Considered South America's premium casino resort, the Iguazu Grand Hotel Resort & Casino is located in Argentina's popular Puerto Iguazu area.
Just a few minutes from the Iguaza falls, near the Tancredo Neves Bridge, the casino's location must surely be one of its biggest draw cards. This European-styled resort offers an excellent range of gaming attractions with 130 modern slot machines, 27 Gaming Tables including Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, Blackjack and al the other casino staples.
It also boasts fantastic VIP rooms and exciting tournaments, bars, restaurants, massage and beauty services, 40 Executive Suites, 8 Corner Suites, 7 Junior Suites, 4 Master Suites an 18-hole golf course, outdoor pool and a full range of facilities for the business traveler.
African Casinos
The largest economy in Africa, South Africa is blessed with a number of fabulous casino hotels. While there are certainly many contenders for the country's best offering, there is one, which stands out as an all-round attraction; Gold Reef City.
Just a few minutes from South Africa's busiest city, Johannesburg, the Gold Reef City Hotel and Casino resort is one of the country's most popular attractions. The Hotel boasts 40 well-appointed, luxury rooms while the casino complex boasts a wide range of restaurants, a 300-seat theatre and an array of function areas.
Nearby, the Gold Reef City Theme Park provides entertainment for the whole family, with many exciting rides, tours, shows and other entertainment. The casino offers nearly 2000 gaming machines and 50 table games.
Gold Reef City offers visitors an experience unlike anything they're likely to find anywhere else. It provides a unique combination of gaming, family entertainment, historical fact and four-star luxury.
European Casinos
Located on the Cote d'Azur in Monaco, between Italy and France, The Fairmont Monte Carlo is one of Europe's premium luxury resorts.
Favorably situated in an area that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and often hailed as the playground of the super rich, The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is one of the largest on the continent. It has over 600 guestrooms and luxurious suites which overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
An architectural masterpiece, the Fairmont Monte Carlo boasts am open-air dining terrace, hovering above the ocean and a spectacular rooftop pool. Just 500 meters from the hotel is the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Australian Casinos
They absolutely love gambling down under. In fact, Australia has the second highest number of gamblers in the world. As you'd expect from a nation of enthusiastic gamblers, the Aussies have a few fantastic casinos, one of which is the;
Conrad Jupiters Casino can be found in the heart of Queensland's renowned Gold Coast. It is one of the main attractions in this subtropical holiday playground and offers a combination of international resort hotel luxury and the 24/7 buzz of Jupiters Casino.
Located on the gorgeous subtropical Broadbeach Island, the five-star resort is one of Australia's largest, with 21 floors and nearly 600 guest rooms. The Conrad Jupiters is unrivaled on the Gold Coast.