Tips for Gambling in a Casino Abroad

Casino tourism is becoming a popular new trend, and as more and more resorts begin to pop up all over the world, travelers are drawn like a moth to a flame to gamble in some of the most exotic locations in the world.

For instance Australia recently reported that their 3 most popular tourist attractions were not the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Opera House or the iconic Uluru, but rather the Crown Casino Melbourne, Jupiters Casino Queensland, and the Star in Sydney; these casino’s bringing in tens of millions of tourists annually in comparison to more iconic attractions like the Opera House, for instance, only attract around 8.2.

So with casino tourism starting to boom, there are a few things to consider before spending your money abroad.

Know if Tipping is Expected or Allowed

When you’re traveling to another country, cultural practices are going to differ from what you’re used to at home, and it’s essential to research and plan so you don’t offend the locals and you don’t end up breaking the law.

Traveling to gamble in a casino is no different, and tipping is one area where you should conduct proper research before you go. For instance it’s illegal to tip dealers at Casinos throughout Australia, however in the United States and countries throughout Europe and Asia this is a common practice, and very much expected.

In fact, it would be considered rude, especially in the States, to not tip at least your waitress, though in Australia they will flatly refuse any chips or tips you attempt to throw their way.

Make Sure You’re Aware of the Exchange Rate

The biggest tip when spending money and traveling abroad is to be aware of the exchange rate. If you’re heading to a country like Britain and traveling from Australia, you’ll find that you’re dollar is cut in half. Where-as if traveling through countries in South America or Asia, your dollar will go much farther than you could have probably ever dreamed.

Where-ever you are, if you’re choosing to gamble, make sure you’re aware of the exchange rate. For instance spending 10 GBP is the equivalent of spending $20 AUD, so it’s very easy to get carried away and spend a lot more than you may have originally budgeted for.

That being said, the pro in this case is obviously that if you do win big, your winnings are essentially doubled when you go to exchange! Also be aware that the exchange rate fluctuates each day, and where it may be 70c to a dollar on day 1, this may rise or fall and be completely different the next. So if spending a lot of money overseas be sure to continually stay aware of the exchange rate.

Be Aware of Different Tax Laws

Just as cultural practices like tipping will vary depending on your destination, so too will laws on tax, specifically, who is legally bound to pay the casino tax, or if there is even such a thing at all.

For instance in America customers are bound to pay tax on their winnings, where-as in Australia the government taxes the casino. So if you win big in Australia you get to keep a higher percentage of your winnings (100%) than you would have if you had won the same amount in an American casino.

Practice Online Before You Play

Most hotels throughout the world now offer the perk of Free Wi-Fi, so if you’re traveling for the casinos and need to practice first, playing in an online casino is a great way to warm up your game.

If you don’t want to sit around in your hotel room all day, most bars, clubs and cafes now offer WiFi too – and there’s even a growing trend in both Australia and the States to start hooking up public internet access points at varying beaches! Paying for internet is a way of the past!

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.