Poker is a popular pastime for millions of people thanks to its proliferation through online services. However, if you have gained some experience of the game on the web, you might want to try your hand at it in a land-based casino, where the action is even more intense and engaging.
Here are just a few of the top destinations for travel fans and poker aficionados to visit if they want to play in person.
Las Vegas
It would be foolish to ignore the granddaddy of casino destinations, and Las Vegas is probably already on your wish list of places to visit even if you aren’t necessarily a gambler by nature.
As well as playing host to some of the best poker tournaments in the world, Las Vegas is the perfect place for first timers to dip their toes in table games without having to hand over huge amounts of cash for the privilege.
Tourist-friendly casinos like the Bellagio and Caesars Palace have plenty of poker tables with low minimum bets, while there are also ample places for high rollers to get their kicks as well. Once you’ve finished at the tables, there are also tons of things to do and see in Sin City, from theatrical performances to fine dining experiences.
Macau
Emerging as a hotspot for casinos in the past couple of decades, this Chinese city is the ultimate resort location for those seeking luxury and relaxation as well as exciting poker opportunities in Asia.
There are several top tier casinos to consider here, with the Grand Lisboa arguably being the best of the bunch. Its sheer scale is impressive, with hundreds of table games and thousands of slot machines spanning its multi-storey construction.
Outside of the high stakes thrills of the casino, Macau offers plenty of other attractions for travellers to check out, including its historic centre where remnants of its colonial past are still apparent.
Monte Carlo
If you have ever wanted to feel like fictional super spy James Bond, then a trip to Monte Carlo in Monaco should definitely be on the agenda. Some of the world’s oldest and most illustrious casinos can be found in this dinky principality and it is quite a bit classier than some of its international equivalents, meaning that you will need to remember to pack your formal attire if you want to gain entry, let alone actually play.
The venerable Casino de Monte Carlo is the prime place to play, with its opulent facade only exceeded in excess by its extravagant interior. If you’ve got the cash to flash, the customer service is second to none and it will be a truly unforgettable, if expensive, experience.
Rustenberg
South Africa might not instantly seem like the place to play poker, but the Sun City Casino in the city of Rustenberg sets out to prove otherwise.
Nestled within view of an impressive, imposing range of mountains, this is an all-in-one resort that not only allows gamblers to try their luck at the tables, but also provides activities to keep the whole family entertained.
There are water parks, golf courses and live performances on-site, as well as the option to visit the nearby game reserve and see the amazing African wildlife in its natural habitat.
Singapore
Oozing the same affluent, ultramodern vibe as Macau, the city state of Singapore has a variety of casino venues to tempt those looking to play poker in a different part of the world.
Bear in mind that these casinos are geared towards tourists, while locals are actively dissuaded from playing by the steep entrance fees that apply only to them. Even so, just getting a glimpse of modern venues like the Marina Bay Sands is enough to satisfy the curiosity of globe trotters.