Two Continents, Two Iconic Casino Destinations

Whether it’s the thrill of the tumbling dice, the suspense of the spinning wheel, or the charm of how the cards might turn, for many travelers, there’s an almost mystical appeal to playing games of chance as part of their international adventures.

Casino tourism is booming, and while it’s no surprise that people holiday to gamble in destinations like Las Vegas and Macau, Mega-casino complexes have become major tourist attractions in many cities around the world.

Almost two centuries, thousands of miles and a vast ocean may separate them, but the following are two of the most iconic casino destinations in the world.

Visitors from around the globe are eager to lay down their chips and live life on the edge, amidst remarkable and unique surroundings that are guaranteed to leave a lasting memory.

Fallsview Casino Resort

Opened in 2004 and one of Canada’s most iconic locations built in the 21st century, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort is the most prominent feature amongst those surrounding the Horseshoe Falls.

Located where the transformer station building for the Ontario Power Company used to be, as a quite literal transformation, the belle époque-themed casino tower itself maintains its electrical roots by lighting up the night sky for miles around.

Photo credit: Gary J. Wood

History of the Fallsview Casino

The idea of the $4 billion investment was to provide Ontario with a key entertainment hub, with the resort boasting a shopping centre, nightclub, health and fitness spa, plus 1500-seat concert venue regularly hosting big-name artists from the music industry.

Along with its beautiful views, luxurious accommodation and oodles of fun and entertainment for the whole family, Fallsview offers one of the biggest casinos in Canada at over 200,000 square feet of gaming goodness.

Generating mostly positive TripAdvisor reviews, these facilities, alongside the 200,000 square-foot casino, have changed the face of local tourism.

The Fallsview Experience vs Online Rooms

Given the vast majority of avid Canadian gamers likely never set foot inside bricks and mortar gambling venues these days, principally because of the internet gambling boom, it’s reassuring to know there are online-casino professionals around to provide sound advice and gaming guides.

As many of the same principles apply to most real-world table games, that’ll certainly come in handy when perusing the 100-plus table games and 3000 slots inside the Fallsview Casino.

However, what truly sets this location apart isn’t just what’s on the inside, but also what visitors can behold when they step outside.

After cashing in your chips, kick back and relax while taking in the stunning views over the Niagara River, Green Island, and of course, the thunderous cascading waters of Horseshoe Falls.

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Approaching this wonderful venue, you might be forgiven for thinking you’re about to visit European royalty, but that’s hardly surprising.

Casino de Monte-Carlo was built thanks to the innovative ideas of Monaco regents Princess Caroline and Prince Florestan I, who came up with the idea of opening the principality’s first casino in the mid-1800s.

It’s considered to be a shrine or mecca of all things gambling, according to hellomonaco.com, with over seven million tourists each year taking selfies with the magnificent Casino de Monte-Carlo behind them: a photographic ‘I was there’ memento.

Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis

The Next Best Thing

If a trip to the fabulous Mediterranean playground of the rich and famous is out of reach, but the hankering for a taste of stylish international-themed casino action still appeals, find out all about Euro-Palace’s games and bonuses, with over 600 games to play online and via mobile.

It might not be Monte Carlo itself, but stepping through the regal, virtual casino doors, it’s easy to imagine being surrounded by glamor and glitz as you play. Monaco’s ruling family, the House of Grimaldi, still have a major interest in this opulent casino, making it one of the most exclusive venues in Europe.

Whether it’s pretending you’re James Bond and playing punto banco beneath the Bohemian chandeliers of the Salle Europe, or enjoying a few hands of blackjack in the Salle Blanche terrace, overlooking the azure sea, this is a truly unique and unforgettable casino destination.

Of course, make sure you’re dressed for the occasion.