Most popular and visited land casinos

What is a Land Casino?

People from all different backgrounds have been gambling in one way or another since the beginning of time. In the 1400’s and beyond, large buildings began to be built to house legal gambling activities for people willing to take a risk to have some fun. Today these buildings, known as land casinos, attract millions of people worldwide, and generate billions of dollars in revenue. They are typically known to house a variety of games for players to gamble upon, and the rooms and machines are filled with colorful flashing lights, sounds of rapidly flowing money, and the general essence of people having a good time. Casinos can be found in a large number of countries across the globe, but some have grown to have quite a bit more fame and recognition than others. Below, you can read about the top five land casinos in the world, what attracts people to them, and what goes on within their walls.

Why do the Best Ones Stand Out?

It is common knowledge that most casinos are bursting with flashing lights and excitement. Most of these gambling houses also typically house the most common games, a variety of people from different backgrounds, and plenty of cash flow. However, what really attracts people to the most popular casinos?

The casinos that have continuously shown a constant inflow of foot traffic and an extremely high amount of yearly revenues often have specific features that attract gamblers of all kinds. Each of these famous gambling houses has their own individual characteristics that make them stand out from their competitors. Some have special games, others have world-famous nightlife and restaurants inside of their walls, and some are simply known for the high jackpots they offer. A great majority of these highly acclaimed casinos have unique building shapes, luxurious hotels attached for guests, and friendly staff that are attentive to their player’s every need.

Famous Strips

Before we get into the most famous individual casinos, we must take note of the popular strips that house them. A large line of casinos within a relatively close proximately to one another is commonly called a “strip”. Two locations in the world claim name to the two strips that hold a majority of the globe’s infamous gambling houses, Las Vegas, NV (U.S.A.), and Macau.

The Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas strip can be found in the Western United States, in the most Southern tip of the state of Nevada. Las Vegas has a claim to fame of being one of the first places in the world to legalize gambling and to kick-start the gaming revolution. Although the location of the modern day strip has distanced itself a little bit from the city’s original infrastructure, it is still packed full of people and money on every single day of the year. Las Vegas lays claim to just over 120 casinos, and each and every one of them is known for their unique characteristics. Most yearly statistics show that slot machines accumulate the majority of the profits here. Within the city’s gambling houses alone, yearly revenues often hit over $6 billion. The strip is so popular that it plays host to over 44 million visitors from across the world each year. Las Vegas is home to a few of the world’s most infamous and expensive casinos, some of these can be viewed individually in the list below.

Macau's Cotai Strip

The second most popular casino strip in the world is located on the Southern edge of China, in a small country named Macau. Here you can find the ever-growing Cotai strip, home to over 30 casinos. This number may seem low compared to Las Vegas, but the strip is relatively new and constantly growing. The buildings are new, luxurious, and very large. Also, many extremely wealthy gamblers frequent these casinos far more often than they visit Las Vegas. Unlike Las Vegas, a majority of Macau’s revenue comes from table games, not slot machines. To put its wealth in perspective, Macau holds 33 casinos, which equals out to barely 25% of the amount found in Las Vegas. Its glitz and glamour attracts over 25 million visitors annually, which is almost just half of the amount of Vegas tourists. However, neither of these statistics seems to make any difference at all where revenues are concerned. In fact, in 2010 Macau’s Cotai strip generated over $33.5 billion in 2011, which is about five times the amount generated by the Las Vegas strip. Macau is home to some of the world’s most luxurious, profitable, and sizable casinos.

Most Visited Casinos top 5?

Now that we are aware of where the largest strips of profitable casinos are located, we can break the individual casinos down into a list. This list is not necessary the casino’s that make the most money or attract the most people. It is instead a compilation of revenues, tourist attraction, features, space, and fame. Here, readers can learn the ins and outs of the world’s top five most infamous gambling houses.

#5: Tusk Rio Casino Resort – Klerksdorp, South Africa

Number five on our list of the most famous casinos in the world can be found in Klerksdorp, South Africa. It is South Africa’s largest and most profitable casino, and also the largest casino found in the entire Southern hemisphere. This 266,000 square foot casino first opened its doors to the public in 2004. The building was designed to mimic features of the world famous Rio Carnival in Brazil. The gambling age here is 18 years old. Within these beautiful walls are almost 300 slot machines, 15 table games, and 2 restaurants and bars. Attached to the gambling center is a 70 room uniquely planned hotel for casino guests. This beautiful resort ranks number 5 on our list for its impeccable design, accommodating staff, and unique gaming structure.

#4: MGM Grand – Las Vegas, NV, USA

Coming in at number four on our list of the world’s most famous casinos is the MGM Grand, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. This 170,000 square foot gambling house first opened its doors in 1993. The building structure and interior was designed to resemble a Hollywood themed resort. The gambling age here is 21 years old. The casino boasts an incredible 2,300 slot machines, almost 200 table games, and 20 restaurants and bars.

Attached to the gambling center is a magnificent hotel, with 30 floors and 5,044 rooms for its guests. This allows the casino to claim its rank as the second largest hotel in the world. It is quite infamous around the world for the features that lie within its walls. Some of these features include five uniquely built swimming pools, exhibits with live lions and other animals, and a multitude of rivers and waterfalls. The various spas and restaurants in the MGM Grand have extremely high ratings and are constantly packed full of eager visitors.

The MGM Grand has been known to be home to a large amount of high dollar jackpot winners throughout its history. One of the largest amounts won within the past decade was in 2004 when a woman hit the $10 million dollar jackpot on a Megabucks slot machine.

Countless numbers of famous people have visited this casino over the years. Famous bands and muscians, such as Aerosmith and Lady Gaga, frequent the MGM to showcase their performances and for personal enjoyment. World famous Chef Wolfgang Puck cooks for his own restaurant here, alluring magicians like David Copperfield perform amazing stunts here, and a large amount of celebrities vacation in this resort.

This awe inspiring casino ranks as number four on our list for its unique design, alluring charm, and amazing amenities. The green lights on the exterior of the structure light up the night sky so that it is easy to distinguish. The exhibits, dining, nightlife, and accommodations are more exciting and luxurious than anyone could ask for.

#3:  Monte Carlo Casino – Monte Carlo, Monaco

Coming in the number three spot on our list of the world’s most famous casinos is the Monte Carlo Casino, located in Monaco. This 64,000 square foot paradise opened its doors in 1863, making it one of the world’s oldest and still operating casinos. The building structure is beautifully designed, it resembles a stone castle fit for royalty. The grounds are surrounded by massive fountains and well-maintained gardens. It is claimed to be one of the most luxurious destinations in the world.

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. The Monte Carlo Casino generates a whopping 25% of the country’s revenue each year.

Within the casino walls a variety of games can be found, including slot machines, table games, and unique card games. While the gambling house does not actually have a hotel directly attached to it, many can still be found in the nearby vicinity. In fact, Monaco boasts some of the world’s most expensive and glamorous hotel rooms for the rich and famous.

Aside from gambling, one of the most characteristic features of the Monte Carlo is its world renowned opera house. Both the opera house and the casino itself are completely filled with glamour, such as marble floors, gold fixtures, and pricey chandeliers.

There are quite a few things about this casino that make it stand out from all other gambling houses in the world. First, the actual citizens of Monaco, where the casino is located, are prohibited from ever entering the building. Also, the building has many windows that let in the sunshine, this feature is rarely ever found in other casinos. The ceilings are over 30 feet high, and many priceless paintings hang on the walls. ID’s are checked at the front door to identify player citizenship and age, and there is a very strict dress code enforced. The casino is very quiet and peaceful, as slot machines are actually housed in a separate room to create a calming atmosphere elsewhere in the building. There are no cocktail waitresses, and free drinks are not provided.

There have been a number of incredible jackpot wins noted to have occurred in the Monte Carlo Casino. One of the largest wins in history occurred here in 1892 when Archie Karas won $1 million dollars on the roulette table, which was an absolutely unheard of amount of money at the time.

Due to its age and history, the Monte Carlo has had an outstanding number of famous visitors. Because of its luxury and popularity, millions of extremely wealthy people travel to the casino each year. Billionaire moguls risk big money in the casino and world famous celebrities vacation here. The gambling house has also been a scene in various popular movies throughout its history. One of the most highly recognized of these is the James Bond film series, in which many scenes depict characters within the casino walls.

#2: Foxwoods Resort Casino – Ledyard, CN, USA

Ranking number two on our list of the most famous casinos in the world is the Foxwoods Resort Casino, located in Ledyard, Connecticut (USA). This 400,000 square foot casino opened its doors in 1986; it is known to be the largest casino in North America. However, if you take into account the buildings hotel, bars and restaurants, theatres, and spas, the building rounds out to an unheard of 6.7 million square feet. The building is structured in a way so that a resembles a modern day, beautifully colored castle. The casino boasts over 7,000 slot machines, 300 table games, and 30 restaurants and bars. The building has a unique set up in which the complete Foxwoods Casino & resort actually holds 6 separate casinos within its building. The luxurious hotel attached to the gambling house holds 830 rooms for its guests.

One unique feature about Foxwoods is the fact that it houses one of the world’s largest gambling halls. The hospitality of the hotel and casino staff are top ranked in the world as well. This is an outstanding place to go to gamble, have fun, and relax. The building also contains multiple outlet shopping centers, exquisite spas, and a large performing arts theatre.

A stunning 80,000 guests visit the Foxwoods each and every day. This casino alone brings in over $1 billion dollars each year.

Many lucky players have a reason to smile as they leave Foxwoods each year. This is because there has been quite a few high dollar jackpot wins to note in this casino. In 2010, the casino released a statement that they had paid out over $250 million dollars to a variety of lucky winners over the last fiscal year.

Foxwoods is also known to be quite the hot spot for celebrities to gamble, drink, and relax. Conneticut is not a very far drive from New York, which is home to countless of the world’s richest and most famous. Therefore, these people often frequent the casino and resort on weekends or holidays.

Our list has placed the Foxwoods Casino and Resort as number 2 on our list because of its unique amenities, outstanding hospitality, and dazzling design. It is definitely a must-see for any new or seasoned gambler.

#1: The Venetian Macao – Macau, China

Finally, the moment that everyone has been waiting for. Coming it at the very top of our list of the most famous casinos in the world is the Venetian Macao, located in Macau, China. This is easily the largest casino in the entire world, standing at a stunning 10.5 million square feet. The Venetian Macao opened its doors to millions of excited guests in 2007.

The actual casino is divided into three specific and uniquely themed areas, the Golden Fish, the Imperial House, the Red Dragon, and the Phoenix. With the four areas combined, the casino houses over 3,400 slot machines and 800 table games.

Attached to the gambling house is a gigantic hotel tower. This hotel holds over 3,000 luxurious suites for its guests. Each and every one of the suites are exquisitely designed and welcoming.

Also attached to the building is an oversized arena that plays host to a variety of different events. The arena can seat over 15,000 people comfortably. It is used for sporting events, concerts, races, and so much more.

The casino and hotel are constantly packed with people. There are over 15,000 employees working hard on a daily basis. There are over 100,000 guests that visit every single day as well. This high amount of traffic generated $6.2 billion dollars in revenues for the Venetian Macao in 2011.

Due to the fact that the Venetian Macao is the largest and most famous casino in the world, it has also recorded some of the largest winnings in history. Guests are constantly taking pictures with the managers to hang up on the walls. In 2012 a lucky guest hit one of the largest jackpots in the casino’s history, $21 million dollars.

Obviously being the most popular casino in the world draws in a vast variety of famous people as well. Recent appearances have included action film star Donnie Yen, TV star David Hasselhoff, and celebrity chef Daniel Salchegger.

This beautiful gaming house overwhelming steals our number one spot on the list of the world’s most famous casinos. Its size, large number of guests, and countless amenities are just the beginning to the wonder. If you are looking to gamble somewhere new and exciting, there is no better place than the Venetian Macao.