🎰 Casino capitals of the world: entry, dress code and rules of play

A vacation can be spent in different ways: beaches, museums, or a gaming table. Gambling tourism is chosen by those who value excitement and the special atmosphere of a casino. You can see the rooms without playing: in Monaco, historic spaces are open to tourists, and in Las Vegas admission is free.

We've put together seven cities where casinos have become part of the tourist experience, from Monaco to South Africa. For each one, we've noted what makes it different, how to dress, and what people play there, so you can plan your trip. Prices and rules change, so we mark important details as "data" with a link to the source.

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What gambling tourism is

💡 In short:

Gambling tourism combines trips for casinos, shows, and the atmosphere of excitement.
Admission to most casinos is free, and a strict dress code applies only in Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden.
Admission and dress code: 09/2026, verified on the official Casino Baden-Baden website.

Gambling tourism isn't just about betting. People travel for the architecture of the halls, the shows, and the atmosphere, and gambling becomes a reason rather than an obligation. Some cities build an entire industry around gambling, while others add a casino to a resort, beach, or amusement park.

A short table makes it easy to compare destinations.

City	What stands out	Admission	Dress code
Monte Carlo	Europe's oldest halls	paid during the day	strict
Macau	Asia's gambling capital	free	smart casual
Las Vegas	Shows and scale	free	almost none
Atlantic City	Casinos and the ocean	free	relaxed
Baden-Baden	A palace and literary history	small fee	strict
Singapore	Marina Bay Sands complex	free for tourists	smart casual
Sun City	A resort for the whole family	day ticket	smart casual

1. Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Monte Carlo set the standard for European casinos, and that's not just words. The Beaux-Arts building was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, so the rooms feel more like palace chambers than a gaming house. The interiors alone are worth a visit, even if you don't plan to place bets.

During the day, the complex is open to regular visitors. The entrance to the gaming area is preceded by the Atrium with a statue of the goddess of Fortune, and beyond it open the Salon de l'Europe, the White Hall, and the Hall of the Two Americas. Admission for tourists is paid, and the exact price and schedule are easy to check on the casino's website.

Monte-Carlo Casino facade with domes and palm trees

In the evening, access to the halls is restricted. Sportswear, beachwear, and casual clothing are not welcome here, and you can't get into the Salle Médecin and Salle Touzet without a suit. The visiting rules are also described on the official website.

People play European and English roulette, craps, blackjack, punto banco, and poker here. If you prefer slot machines, the neighboring Café de Paris casino with its modern hall will suit you. After playing, you can linger at the Salon Rose restaurant and round out the evening with a glass of champagne.

Monte Carlo has long become a household name. Even people who have never set foot in a gaming room have heard of its casino, partly because of the cigarette brand, but primarily because of the local casino, which built itself into a global brand. Refinement, luxury, and status are valued here, and regular guests dress as carefully as for an opera premiere.

Who it's for: those who appreciate architecture and old gaming traditions.
Not for: those who want to walk in wearing shorts and skip the formalities.
Dress code: strict; in the Salle Médecin and Salle Touzet, men need a suit.
Admission: paid during the day, access restricted in the evening.
Where to stay: find hotels in Monte Carlo on Trip.com.

2. Macau (China)

Macau is called the Monte Carlo of the East, and there are reasons for that. The former Portuguese colony returned to Chinese control at the end of the last century but kept its special economic and legal status, which the official Macau tourism portal describes in detail. The gambling business brings the city a significant share of its revenue and attracts wealthy guests from across the region, so casinos here are built like palaces.

The city's most famous complex, the Venetian Macao, covers an enormous area. Under one roof are thousands of hotel rooms and slot machines, and between the halls guests ride gondolas along artificial canals. Inside, there are exhibitions, tennis, basketball, and boxing tournaments, and in the evening Cirque du Soleil performs.

The second must-see, Grand Lisboa, preserves European traditions. It was the first to bring Texas hold'em, the most popular form of poker, to Macau, and its permanent collection includes the "Star of Stanley Ho" diamond.

Macau brings back the feeling that casinos here are more than entertainment. The gaming industry shapes the city's appearance, sets housing prices, and employs thousands of people, while museums, restaurants, and parks operate alongside the gaming complexes.

Minimum bets at many tables are high; the entry threshold is measured in hundreds of dollars. It's still worth seeing the halls: admission for visitors is usually free, the dress code is limited to smart casual, and you'll feel the city's atmosphere even without playing.

Who it's for: those who want to see the world's largest casinos.
Not for: those counting on low stakes.
Admission: usually free for visitors.
The catch: minimum bets at many tables are designed for a large budget.
Where to stay: find hotels in Macau on Trip.com.

3. Las Vegas (USA)

Las Vegas is chosen for its scale and shows, not for old traditions. Hollywood helped the city a lot: the Bellagio casino was robbed in "Ocean's Eleven," and "Lucky You" was also filmed there. "The Hangover" was filmed at Caesars Palace.

The Bellagio fountains have become a separate attraction and have played dozens of roles in film. The city itself stretches along the main street, and there are almost no strict rules here: admission is free, a dress code applies only in private rooms, and bets start at a few cents.

Night panorama of the Las Vegas Strip with hotels and lights

Among the legendary casinos, MGM Grand, Luxor, Caesars, and Venetian stand out. MGM Grand hosts Cirque du Soleil and David Copperfield shows, and the Egyptian-themed Luxor hotel lights up the night city with a powerful beam visible even from orbit.

Some guests come not for gambling at all, but for the hotels and entertainment. If shows and hotels matter to you, not just gambling, Vegas will suit you. It turns fantasy into the everyday: even expensive casinos are accessible to an ordinary visitor, but the charm of an old European hall is still missing here.

The game selection is standard for America: roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack, three-card poker, and pai gow.

Who it's for: those who want to combine a casino with shows and hotels.
Not for: those looking for the atmosphere of an old European casino.
Entry: free, dress code only in private rooms.
Where to stay: find hotels in Las Vegas on Trip.com.

4. Atlantic City (USA)

Atlantic City sits on the ocean, and that's its main advantage. During the day you relax on the beach, and in the evening you head to the gaming tables. Land-based casinos are legal in many US states.

Most local hotels operate as resorts: they combine accommodation, entertainment, and spas. The scale here is more modest than in Las Vegas, but there are also noticeably fewer people.

Atlantic City panorama with high-rises above the beach

You can play at Bally's, Borgata, Caesars, and Hard Rock. Because of the smaller flow of guests, celebrities are more common here, so it's worth looking around. One rule is worth knowing in advance: in the US, only adults sit at the tables, and children are allowed inside only with their parents.

For the East Coast, this is the main gaming destination and a convenient weekend base. The city is smaller and calmer, so it suits those who prefer thoughtful play over the noise of huge halls.

Who it's for: those who want to combine a casino and the ocean.
Not for: those who expect the scale of Las Vegas.
Entry: free.
Where to stay: find hotels in Atlantic City on Trip.com.

5. Baden-Baden (Germany)

Baden-Baden is known as a spa town with thermal springs, but that's not all. The local casino operates in the Kurhaus building and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Actress Marlene Dietrich called it the most elegant in the world.

The casino also made its way into Russian literature. Fyodor Dostoevsky lost his shirt here more than once, and those experiences formed the basis of his novel "The Gambler." His second losing streak coincided with a trip after his wedding and later found its way into "The Idiot."

Baden-Baden Kurhaus with colonnade and flower beds

The interiors resemble palace halls, and your appearance should match. Men need a jacket, a tie or bow tie is welcome, and women are expected to wear evening attire. There is a small fee for classic games, and you can check hours and prices on the official website.

You can play blackjack, Texas hold'em, roulette, and slots. If you're planning an evening in the halls, bring a suit with you. The town itself is small, so it's best to book accommodation in advance, especially during festival season.

It's worth coming here even without gambling. Take a walk along the park promenade by the river, stop by the thermal baths, and come back to the halls in the evening to see them under the chandeliers.

Who it's for: those who value the history and atmosphere of an old casino.
Not for: those who are used to wearing jeans at the gaming table.
Dress code: strict, men need a jacket, a tie is welcome.
Entry: a small gaming fee.
Where to stay: find hotels in Baden-Baden on Trip.com.

6. Singapore (Marina Bay Sands)

Singapore entered the gambling tourism scene thanks to one property. Marina Bay Sands was built as a complex, not just a casino, and it became a symbol of the city. In addition to gaming floors, it has a hotel, a spa, a museum, and a rooftop garden with a waterfall.

The casino's gaming area spans several floors. They house hundreds of gaming tables and thousands of slot machines. Entry is free for foreign guests, while locals pay a daily levy designed to curb gambling. If you want to try your luck, start with the low-stakes tables.

Three Marina Bay Sands towers with rooftop SkyPark

The dress code is relaxed, smart casual is enough. Games include baccarat, roulette, sic bo, and poker, including a local variant created for the casino's opening. If you get bored on the gaming floors, the city's attractions are right next door.

The complex is easy to explore as a whole: the observation deck, rooftop pool, and gardens attract just as many guests as the gaming floors.

Who it's for: those who want to combine a casino with city sightseeing.
Not for: those looking for cheap stakes.
Entry: free for foreign tourists.
Where to stay: find hotels in Singapore on Trip.com.

7. Sun City (South Africa)

Sun City rounds out the list and works well for a family trip. It's an entire entertainment resort in South Africa that people call the African Las Vegas. You can stay at the Palace of the Lost City hotel or come for a day trip.

While adults gamble, kids spend time at the Valley of Waves water park and the Kamp Kwena complex. Nearby there are golf courses, a water sports center, elephant and crocodile farms, and Pilanesberg National Park.

View of Sun City resort from the palace roof

Here the casino isn't the main draw, it's a pleasant bonus. The games are standard: roulette, punto banco, and blackjack, with low entry stakes. The dress code is smart casual, so you won't need a formal suit.

The resort was conceived as an African fairy tale. Palaces, artificial rock formations, and waterfalls create the scenery that draws families with children. The casino fits into this ensemble without stealing the spotlight.

A day pass opens the complex to guests who aren't staying overnight. You can arrive in the morning, spend the day by the water and at the tables, and head back to the city in the evening. South Africa is generally convenient for a longer itinerary: safaris and nature are close by.

Who it's for: families and those who want to combine a casino with nature.
Not for: those who are coming only for gambling.
Entry: via a day pass for guests not staying overnight.
Where to stay: find hotels in Sun City on Trip.com.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What is gambling tourism?

It's a travel format where casinos, gaming shows, and the thrill of gambling take center stage during the trip. These trips are often combined with sightseeing, beach time, or nature. In Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden, visitors admire the historic halls, in Las Vegas they add shows, and in Sun City the casino complements a family resort.

Where should I go for a classic casino?

For the classics, head to Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden. They've preserved palace halls, a strict dress code, and old gaming traditions.

Is there a dress code at casinos?

In most cities on this list, smart casual is enough. Strict rules apply in Monte Carlo, where men are only allowed into certain rooms in a suit, and in Baden-Baden, where a jacket is required and a tie is welcome. In Las Vegas and Atlantic City there's no particular dress code, except in private rooms.

How much does casino entry cost?

Entry is free at many venues, for example in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Macau. In Monte Carlo, daytime entry for tourists is paid, in Baden-Baden there's a small gaming fee, and in Singapore foreigners get in free. Exact prices change, so check the casinos' official websites.

Can I go to a casino with children?

Adults can bring children to the resort, but they won't be allowed at the gaming tables. In Las Vegas and Atlantic City, families usually stay for the shows, hotels, and the ocean. For a trip with kids, Sun City is the most convenient option, with the Valley of Waves water park and Pilanesberg National Park nearby.

In short: what to book

If you want the classics, choose Monte Carlo or Baden-Baden and plan an evening visit to the halls. If you're after scale and shows, stay in Las Vegas or Macau. For a family trip, Sun City is the most convenient, and Atlantic City works well for combining with the ocean.

Book accommodation in advance, especially in high season: links to hotel selections for each city are in the sections above.

Gambling tourism: 7 destinations for a trip for excitement