Casinos can be found in almost all countries, both online and as brick-and-mortar establishments. But as many countries as there are, there are also as many different casino and gambling cultures found across the world. This guide will discuss the various casino cultures found in the major gambling hubs, as well as some unique gambling traditions found in select countries.
Las Vegas, United States
Las Vegas is considered the Entertainment Capital of the World thanks to the 45-odd casinos lining the Las Vegas Strip. There are in total more than 100 casinos in the downtown area as well.
From the glitzy and flashy streets of Vegas to the online no-KYC casinos preferred by gamblers seeking privacy and anonymity in countries where gambling is not regulated (source: https://www.pokerscout.com/casino/no-kyc-casinos/), Sin City has it all.
Casino culture has shaped the city after the legalization of gambling in 1931. Residents enjoyed liberal gaming laws (as well as marriage and divorce laws), which resulted in luxury hotel-casinos, resorts, entertainment venues, and eateries.
Las Vegas has its own gambling culture and has also sparked inspiration in other nations, as there are 58 other places named Las Vegas outside of the US.
The casinos in Las Vegas are massive, housing thousands of slot machines, table games, live betting opportunities, and lavish restaurants. The Strip draws the largest names in the entertainment industry, with current residencies including big names like Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, U2, and The Eagles.
The gambling culture in Las Vegas is all about over-the-top luxury, flashing lights, and the best the industry has to offer.
The United Kingdom
It may come as a surprise that the United Kingdom is one of the largest gambling markets in the world based on gross gaming revenue, with millions of active gamblers bringing in billions of dollars each year.
There are several Vegas-style casinos found around the country, with the Hippodrome Casino in London the most glamorous of them all.
But, gambling in the UK is mostly centered around smaller, exclusive clubs. Mimicking the gentlemen’s clubs of the past, these establishments offer VIP experiences and opulence. There is a lesser focus on slot machines, and the most popular games include table games like European roulette and blackjack.
United Kingdom casinos offer an air of sophistication, although slots can be found in many pubs across the country for those looking for a casual gambling experience.
Macau, China
Macau has succeeded in creating a culture completely different from Las Vegas, a region to which it is often compared. Macau is much smaller than Las Vegas, despite being nicknamed the “Las Vegas of the East”. It is a top gambling destination for many, with the casinos being the main tourism driver.
Despite the comparison to The Strip, Macau focuses solely on gambling, with very little entertainment offerings. There is also very little emphasis on restaurants and bars, which is unique for a gambling destination. Instead of rowdy clubs, Macau hosts upmarket wine bars and cigar lounges.
Macau also takes a much more serious approach to gambling. Vegas is called “Sin City” for a reason, but in this Chinese destination, gambling is the main draw with many professionals frequenting the establishment. There is an emphasis on table games here, and although slots can be found, there is not a diverse offering.
Malta
Malta takes gambling to a whole new level of classic luxury. Casinos are housed in elegant colonial buildings, restored since its construction in the 17th century. Malta is a tiny nation and only home to four major casinos, three of which are located in the St. Julian’s region.
The lack of physical establishments gives Malta an air of exclusivity. The archipelago on the Meditteranean attracts millions of tourists each year, and although most of these do not come for gambling, it remains a big draw for gamblers looking for a unique experience.
Malta is best known as an online casino games mecca, with many of the best online casinos being housed in this jurisdiction. It was one of the first European nations to establish liberal online gambling laws, making it the world capital for iGaming.
Australia
Australia takes a unique approach to gambling. There are only a handful of major casinos, but there are over 100 legal gambling establishments in the country. That is because of “pokies” – aka slot machines – found in many clubs and pubs.
Sports betting is also very popular in Australia, with most punters betting on horse racing, tennis, and golf.
Online gambling is also popular thanks to the wide variety of platforms that cater to Australians.
Unique Gambling Trends From Various Countries
Different casino games are preferred in countries across the world, with some nations regularly playing niche games not found in popular casinos.
- Baccarat in Macau: Baccarat is the game of choice in most of Macau’s casinos, contributing the most to the country’s gambling revenue.
- Pachinko in Japan: Pachinko is a type of arcade game that is commonly used for gambling. It is similar to pinball, and players use balls to hit targets on a vertical board.
- Mahjong in China: This tiled game has been played for many years, and although mainly enjoyed as a leisurely activity, it sometimes involves wagering. Players can be found playing at home or in public spaces.
- Lottery in Spain: Lottery seems to be an obsession among Spanish citizens, where families and friends pool their money together to buy lotto tickets. It is especially popular around Christmas time with the El Gordo lottery.
Floating casinos in India: India’s Goa state is home to several floating casinos, where offshore boats offer gambling games to locals and tourists.
