What’s the gambling capital of the world? Well, that’s a question that remains unanswered, as Macau and Vegas are currently still competing for the title. And it’s understandable to pick either of these places, as thousands of tourists do every year when they are planning their vacations.
But, have you ever thought about going to the lesser known, but possibly better gambling locations? Although Europe is known for its rich history and its world-class architecture, many countries from this continent are bustling with great gambling scenes.
To truly maximize your European adventure, it’s essential to have a basic knowledge of the casino games you’re going to play. While you don’t need practice on slot machines, other games like baccarat and poker require some serious preparation. The official PPPoker Instagram account features poker terms like ‘outs’ and ‘starting hands’ that every player should know. There are also ‘small and big blinds,’ ‘river,’ and ‘turn’ – all of which are likely to come up during the game. Treat the learning process as part of the game itself, because knowing these terminologies is actually part of the process.
As an added bonus, you’ll be a more confident player at the table when you understand what’s going on. When you have a good grasp of games like poker, your gambling getaway to Europe will definitely be a delight. With that said, we’ve rounded up the top three European destinations for you to choose from.
1. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Credit: Monte Carlo SBM
Despite this country’s land area only being around 200 hectares, Monaco is home to one of the world’s grandest casinos: the Casino de Monte-Carlo. With one hectare of the estate reserved for gaming, visitors are bound to have an enjoyable gambling experience.
What’s more, the ornately decorated casino offers a complete range of table games and slot machines that can be found in their seven sophisticated gaming salons.
It’s no wonder that this casino was chosen as the setting for two installments of the James Bond franchise. USA Today reports that the films Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye were shot here. And if you’re still up for some more fun, Monte Carlo has three other casinos — Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Casino Café de Paris, Sun Casino — that are just as exceptional.
2. Paris, France
Credit: Paris Elysées Club
The City of Lights is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its amazing attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Another sight that should be added to the illustrious list is Paris’ exclusive gambling scene. It’s especially fitting for France, as The Atlantic notes how the four suits of the standard 52-card deck are derived from the country.
Unlike Monaco, the casinos in Paris are quite elusive as they are tucked away down its romantic side streets. Nevertheless, the city’s three main casinos are must-see places for every visitor. And what makes the Paris gaming scene special is it’s mainly focused on this thrilling table game, poker. The Imperial Club Paris, Club Montmartre, and Paris Elysées Club are all havens for avid poker players with their high-end services and upscale lounges.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known worldwide for its easy-going culture, and its undoubtedly exciting nightlife. And another reason why the Dutch capital is one of Europe’s best gambling destinations is it boasts 13 excellent casinos for its visitors to choose from.
Credit: Casino City
You can gamble the night away at one of the Lucky Jack casinos, which are renowned for their plethora of slot machines and roulette terminals. Or, you can go to one of the Casino City branches for their variety of video lottery terminals.
Credit: I amsterdam
For an authentic Amsterdam gambling experience, you can head over to the city’s most famous casino, Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum. You’re sure to have a good time when you play here, as this casino houses a whopping 116 table games and 604 gaming machines.
