The growth engine of the gambling industry has shifted to Asia. Las Vegas has long since ceased to be the undisputed casino capital at the top of the gamblers’ hit list, and Far Eastern places like Singapore, Macau and Manila have long since overtaken the desert city. Here you will be introduced to a few of these glamorous casinos that delight tourists and locals alike.
OUR ITINERARY
Philippines with a difference: Resorts World Manila as a gamblers’ paradise
Manila is considered the gambling capital of the Philippines, and here you will find such giants as Resorts World, Solaire and the City of Dreams. The former is a first-class hotel resort very close to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Several hotels are available for guests to choose from, and some are even under construction. In addition, there are nine different bars and restaurants, a spacious shopping mall, a theater and of course: the casino!
The casino of the World Manila resort nonchalantly occupies three floors, and gaming fans can make the difficult decision between slot machines galore, modern electronic table games and classic table games such as roulette and blackjack. In the Remington Hotel, located in the same resort, there is another entertainment center with cash games. Overall, the trend seems clear: recreation, shopping and gambling are to be done in one go.
Macau, the Las Vegas of the East: Gaming Open End
Macau was already given the nickname “Las Vegas of the East” a few years ago. Even without this additional attraction, the former Portuguese colony and current special administrative region of China is brimming with cultural sights. As early as 2006, Macau overtook the American desert metropolis in the gambling business, and not without reason: Gigantic entertainment centers such as Galaxy Resort with its 50 different restaurants, numerous stores, thousands of hotel beds and a glamorous casino attract vacationers from all over the world.
The casino has more than 600 gaming tables and 1,200 slot machines. The Sands Macau and the City of Dreams Macau offer similarly opulent attractions. The City of Dreams Resort is currently hosting the Asia Championship of Poker tournament series organized by PokerStars: a top-class live event for all those who are ahead of the game when it comes to card playing and strategy.
Singapore and its booming gambling magnets
The island nation shines as a booming tourist destination and glamorous gambling El Dorado, and the Marina Bay Sands in particular has made an international name for itself since it opened in 2010. The huge complex spreads over a 20-hectare area, three 55-story hotel towers house a myriad of beds, and the 340-meter rooftop garden flaunts an infinity pool that truly deserves its name.
This is well nestled between the shopping mall and many other attractions, it extends over two spacious floors. Slot machines and gaming tables are plentiful here as well, and free soft drinks are available everywhere. However, Resort World Sentosa has now established itself as a serious competitor for this gambling magnet.