The first pit stop in Las Vegas for most visitors is usually a casino. Whether you are an experienced player on the casino floor or just starting, slot machines are the most profitable and entertaining games available.

Slot machines have proven to be popular among players time and time again. Casinos and other entertainment facilities are profiting tremendously from the revenues collected from slots.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports that the Las Vegas Strip contained over 160,000 slot machines in 40 different locations in 2022, generating revenues reaching almost $270 million per month.

While these numbers are beneficial to the establishments and their operators, slot machines are also known to be the most profitable game in a casino for the user.

 

 

Slot machines, on average, have an RTP, or return to player, between 75% and 98%; in other words, for every dollar a player spends, the slot machine will yield about 75 to 98 cents right into their pocket.

Even with the high RTP and revenue, Las Vegas and other cities famous for their casinos fill their halls with slot machines because anyone can press a button. 

Commitment is never a priority; the player can put down a small individual bet. A poker face is never required, nor is a real skill, to win big. 

However, research is still encouraged to profit off of slot machines at the highest level, such as reading on user experience on specific games and reading the RTP at each Las Vegas casino.

Return to player is perhaps the most critical factor in picking the best slot to play in Vegas. The higher the RTP percentage, the more likely the slot will payout.

An amateur way to discover a slot’s RTP percentage is to test it with a bet. If a slot claims to have a 94% payout, then after a $100 bet, the payback would equate to about $94. While this may seem straightforward, this method does not fit every player.

Checking message boards and online threads, as well as comparison sites containing slots reviews, are a great way to find the best slots in Vegas. Notable websites encourage players to share their experiences with slot machines; most of their reviews focus on the amount of cash they get to keep after playing.

Another tip to finding one of the better slots offered in Las Vegas is to look for promotions. By signing up to the casino’s player’s club, customers can access unique games, receive free slot plays, and gain eligibility to have freebies on their next visit.

Benefits are significant, especially when the rounds on the slot machines are free, increasing the already high payout.

 

 

The most profitable slots are coined as “loose slots” because they pay out the most amount of money to the player and are thus very desirable among customers.

A feature of profitable slot machines called “progressive jackpots” has become a popular way to transform a couple of hundred bucks into millions.

Progressive jackpots offer prize money compared to the national lottery games, which can easily make a millionaire in a single evening.

According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the dollar slots pay back an average of 95% of receipts, 25 cent slots payout 93% on average, and 5 cent slots give back 90% to the players.

The payout from slots at the downtown or other off-Strip locations is one or two percent higher than those on the Strip. Hotel-casinos frequented by locals, such as Sam’s Town, pay better than the tourist hotels in the city. Nevada residents well know that fact when they consider which facilities contain the best slots in Vegas.

Moreover, the newer and more luxurious hotels are known for having the overall poorest RTP percentages.

Some of those hotels include the Bellagio, Venetian, Mandalay Bay, and the new Wynn Las Vegas. Since the amenities of these hotels are off the charts, slot machines do not have to be the most profitable asset (at least to the player).

However, some of these lavish hotels offer great prizes and entertainment that make a higher payout from the slot machine. The Bellagio, for example, provides a slot tournament with 2,300 games as options. From jackpots and progressive features, the Bellagio slot machines can grow small bets into millions.

 

 

Generally, the best slots in Vegas are located in the older properties of the North Strip. 

Slot machines may look flashy and modern, especially themed slots, but that does not mean they have the highest payout. The more traditional and old-looking games may be a better money’s worth.

Much like the endorphin rush of a “win,” a good-looking slot machine can trick the brain chemistry into wagering more money than intended. With that in mind, a simple-looking slot should be considered to help players gamble responsibly and win big.

Rather than always playing Star Wars or Avengers slot machines, players should have an eye out for the more dated and less appealing slot machines available on the casino floor. Many of them have substantial RTP rates and have stood the test of time.

One of these seemingly unappreciated slots is housed in Slots-a-Fun at Circus Circus Casino in Las Vegas. The selection includes classics, such as “Double Diamond” and “Red, White, and Blue.” Although they are not the flashiest, they are the best slots in Vegas.

Slots-a-Fun is a classic and exclusive casino that incorporates slot machines paired with an arcade, pool tables, bowling, and other forms of entertainment. Their slots have been proven time and time again as the machines to make the next big Vegas winner.

As mentioned before, these slots are not located conveniently for the tourists on the Strip. A general rule of thumb to follow: the more touristy the casino, the lower the payback on the slot machines.

 

 

While the Las Vegas Strip has a win percentage of about 8%, the slots in Reno and Boulder have a more generous casino wins of around 5%. 

Some of the casinos located in Reno, Boulder, and North Vegas include Eastside Cannery, Sunset Station, M Resort, Jerry’s Nugget, Texas Station, and Boulder Station.

Geographical location should not be the only consideration when looking for great slots. Some veteran gamblers and websites claim that corners within a specific casino itself have some of the better slot machines.

High traffic areas, such as near elevators, a front desk, aisles, showrooms, registration areas, etc., contain the loosest slots in the casino.

Some people do not even have to go to a casino to access a slot machine. An entertainment facility is perhaps the unrivaled source to use for the best slots in Vegas. 

Airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are the first locations to avoid playing slot machines. Even though the majority are in clean and well-run establishments, they do not offer significant returns with their slot machines.

What these three different places have in common is that under Nevada law the slot machines in airports, convenience stores, and grocery stores are entirely controlled by large corporations. 

With that in mind, it should not be surprising that the slot machines in these facilities provide a much lower payout percentage than the typical slot found in a Las Vegas casino. 

Even though convenience store owners can obtain a lease or purchase of slot machines, the Nevada law changed in favor of larger corporations having control over the slots and their payouts.

Nevada grocery stores are the only place that can legally provide slot machines because they have leased the space through a larger company. Although they can offer marginally better odds than the former two, grocery stores should still be avoided when it comes to slot machines.

The loosest slot machines in the past 12 months have been Megabucks and penny slots. Megabucks had the tightest slots at over 11% casino win percentage. Penny slots are the most popular denomination, even though their win percentage is not the most generous.

Megabucks offers some of the best slots in Vegas with the highest winnings. In 2014, a man playing a Megabucks slot machine in Rampart Casino hit a $14 million jackpot after playing for five minutes on a $20 bill when the slot paid off. 

This payout is not the only one from a Megabucks machine. Megabucks has produced life-changing jackpots for multiple players for over two decades. 

Their slogan markets the casino’s accomplishments perfectly: “Dream big. Win big”.  Even with players only spending a $1 for a spin, there is always a chance of the jackpot prize of $10 million. 

In addition to Megabucks and Slots-a-Fun, there are plenty of casinos offering some of the best slots available in Las Vegas.

 

 

Many websites report O’Shea’s, Stardust, and older casinos located on the north side of the Strip as the places to visit for great and profitable slot machine winnings.

The casino nearest to offering the loosest slots in Las Vegas is Palms resort, which has an average game payout percentage of about 94%.

Lower payout slot machines also have distinct locations on the casino floor. Some of those include the leading slot machine on the floor, those near the table games, and close to the poker room. Since all of these areas have too much action, either from different games or other slots, the RTP does not have to be too high.

Furthermore, it is better to be aware of which specific slot machines should be avoided. The reason behind it is the exact opposite of why the already mentioned slots are the best: the worst slots have a low percentage of payback.

Several slots have unfortunately been added to the universal list of worst slots found in Las Vegas, such as Wish Upon a Jackpot by Blueprint Gaming, Adventures in Wonderland by Ash Gaming, and King Kong by Cryptologic due to their low RTP.

Different software companies specializing in slot machines have reputations that reflect the RTP’s. While some developments have been mentioned before for their low percentage payback, others are renowned for their slots having high RTP rates.

Playtech is one of the more famous software companies that develop successful and popular slot machines located in Las Vegas casinos. Games created by this company include Goblin’s Cave, Ugga Bugga, and Ocean Princess.  All offer reputable and above-average percentage payouts.

Other software companies known for distributing slots with high paybacks are Barcrest, WMS, and NetEnt. 

In addition to Palms Casino and Resort, there are other casinos in Las Vegas that have multiple slots maintaining an above-average payout.

 

 

Fitzgerald’s Casino and Hotel has established a favorable reputation for offering the loosest slots in downtown Las Vegas. Ranked regularly, the machines in Fitzgerald’s that are given the best paybacks include reel, penny, and progressive slots.

Slot machines are incredibly entertaining, easy, and a great reason to visit a Las Vegas casino.

Although research is essential, an in-depth research is not necessary unless you are wagering a significant amount of money. Specific slot machines should be sought out to cash in millions, which has been proven to be possible within five minutes of playing.

The different themes, bonuses, promotions, and prizes, prevent slot machines from ever becoming boring.  For some lucky few, a slot will transform a single $5 bill to $5 million or more than that colossal amount.

With the press of a button, a slot machine can make an average player into a millionaire, or give the customer an affordable and responsible amount of fun on the Las Vegas casino floor.

With some of these tips that differentiate the better slots in Las Vegas, slot machines can become more of a calculated game than intended. 

Overall, Vegas is the numero uno destination to play slots in the United States. The key is to be wise and risk only as much as you can afford to lose. 

It is essential to ask around and try some old slots that have a proven track record of wins. Don’t just be impressed with the design and wager money in the excitement! 

If you are planning on traveling to Singapore and experience the gambling nightlife, you have come to the right place. 

The Singaporean government is not terribly fond of gambling, even though the country is home to two of the best casino resorts in all of Asia.

While tourists can gamble without a problem, locals find it much more difficult, especially since they must pay S$100 every time they visit a casino.

But there is a reason for it. The council uses it as a way to tackle problem gambling, meaning that instead of a way to disrupt the industry, it’s actually meant to help it out.

No matter if you are just visiting this beautiful country or you have been a resident for years, this article will show you how you can gamble in Singapore, as well as the best places to go and the important statistics that highlight its growth.

Here is all you need to know about gambling in Singapore.

 

Top Casinos In Singapore

The best casinos in Singapore attract people from all over the world. They are some of the most luxurious resorts across the globe and offer all the games you would expect from Las Vegas.

There may only be a few of them to try but you are guaranteed an experience unlike anything else. 

The atmosphere is full of glamour and prestige and you can feel it as soon as you walk through the doors. The first casino in Singapore only opened less than 20 years ago, meaning that the gambling industry is still young compared to Vegas and other Asian markets like Macau.

But Singapore has something that these two places don’t: the title of being one of the top banking capitals in the world. With high rollers coming through the gates every day, you can be sure that the highest stakes are being played every single night.

There are more and more casino cruises in Singapore cropping up too. They will sail out to international waters to avoid breaking any laws that could prevent people from gambling on land. 

When you turn up to a casino in Singapore, it’s best to turn up in smart casual. Avoid shorts and flip-flops at all costs or you can be certain you will not be allowed to enter – and this includes cruise casinos!

 

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of the best places to gamble in Singapore. It has close to 500 tables to play for your favorite games, more than 1,500 slot machines (jackpot machines to the locals) and, for those of you that want the VIP experience, over 30 private gaming rooms. In their own words, Marina Bay Sands has “a vast selection of the newest and most popular electronic gaming machines worldwide”.

With 15,000 square meters of casino space to enjoy, there are so many things to do. Minimum bets start at S$25 and vary depending on the table you play. 

 

Resorts World Santosa

Resorts World Sentosa Casino (RWS) is 49 hectares worth of pure luxury and excitement. Located on the resort island of Sentosa, RWS has attracted more than 45 million visitors within its first three years and continues to welcome guests from all over the world

The casino itself covers 15,000 square meters of land and has the biggest casino games in Singapore. If you are a fan of poker, this is the destination for you.

The poker room is separate from the rest of the casino and, unlike the main casino floor, drinks are free of charge. The games start with blinds as low as SG$10/SG$20 with the rake capped at 5%.

If you fancy a break from the casino, you won’t be disappointed. The resort complex is also home to two other stunning attractions: Universal Studios theme park, the Maritime Experiential Museum and Marine Life Park, containing one of the largest aquariums in the world and the Adventure Cove Waterpark.

To enhance your stay, make good use of an award-winning destination spa, take a tour around the Resorts World Convention Centre, dine at a number of celebrity chef restaurants, and shop at some outstanding retail outlets.

 

Aegean Paradise Cruise

While aboard the Aegean Paradise Cruise, you can gamble all day and night without having to worry about breaking your lucky streak. If you get hungry, take as many trips to the Chinese buffet as you need or take a stroll across the deck and bathe in the sea breeze.

In terms of the casino itself, there are 40 live tables to play that include blackjack and poker, with hundreds of slot machines too.

Compared to mainland casinos, the minimum bets are far lower at around S$2 a bet, so low stakes players can take full advantage and have a good time.

There is an entry fee to access the Aegean Paradise Cruise casino, with prices starting at S$25. If you plan on staying the night, private cabins start from S$40 on weekdays and start from S$80 on weekends.

Head to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. From here, you will be required to take a trip to Nongsapura Ferry Terminal before boarding the cruise and starting your at-sea casino adventure.

 

Online Gambling In Singapore

If you are a resident of Singapore, online gambling can be a great option for you. This is because if you know where to look, you can play games and avoid having to pay the daily fee.

There are so many options, ranging from poker and roulette to slot machine, bingo, blackjack and so much more.

Plus, once you sign up, you can be eligible to claim welcome bonuses to let you play with more money than you deposit.

There are so many possibilities but the main thing is that you don’t have to succumb to the normal Singapore levies.

Generally speaking, in order to gamble online in Singapore, you must be aged 21 and over, but there are many offshore online casinos that accept players aged 18 and over too.

You are often required to confirm your age with documentation so have them to hand as you sign up.

When you’re ready to start playing, you are most welcome to use Singapore dollars on most sites. Be aware though that since it’s not a major world currency, the majority of sites you can use will either have US dollars, UK sterling or Euros as their main denomination.

The best sites have great exchange rates so you get the most for your money when you either deposit or withdraw into your account.

Another advantage of playing online is that Singapore doesn’t have a hosting centre for any of these major sites.

All of the online casinos you can use are based abroad and fall out of the government’s restrictions, meaning that there’s no need to rely on the gambling commission for where the site is based. 

Of course, it goes without saying that even though there are a lot of opportunities to gamble online, it’s important to stay with a reputable site.

Ensure that you pick somewhere that clearly displays their licensing credentials and who they are operated by.

 

Best Online Sites

The best online gambling website for Singaporeans depends on the game you want to play. For example, the best place to play blackjack could have big bonuses for making certain hands but their Taxes Hold’em offering could have high rake.

Have a browse to see the best places for your game of choice. With the amount of money in the gambling industry, it won’t be tough to find.

The most popular games for online gambling in Singapore are roulette, sic bo, baccarat, poker, craps, slots and blackjack.

This means there are literally thousands of games you can play, the majority of which can’t be found in live casinos.

The Legal Bit

Now, even though online gambling in Singapore is possible, you must pay attention to this. If you don’t you can get yourself in trouble.

The Remote Gambling Act has effectively banned online gambling in Singapore, meaning that you won’t be able to find any local sites to play on.

This law doesn’t just affect Singaporean betting companies in the country either as the government has blocked several of the world’s biggest gambling sites. 

Here’s an explanation of the laws courtesy of Singapore Legal Advice:

Gambling can generally be classified into 3 categories:

 

• Gaming, which generally refers to games of chance and skill. An example would be “Dai Di”, the card game also known as Big Two.

• Lotteries such as 4D or the Singapore Sweep

• Betting, which can include wagering on football matches or horse races.

 

Gaming is common in Singapore as a recreational activity. It would appear that gaming during funerals, a common sight in Singapore, is considered gaming in private. However, the operation of gambling dens is illegal. It is also illegal to game in public.

These acts are prohibited by the Common Gaming Houses Act. Therefore, gambling den operators and participants in public gaming can be liable for such offenses. Obviously, legalized casinos in Singapore are exempt from these laws.

Furthermore, underground betting is also an offense prohibited by the Betting Act. Only legalized organizations such as Singapore Pools can conduct public betting in Singapore.

Finally, jackpot machines are also banned in Singapore, in accordance with the Private Lotteries Act, except when permission is granted or as in the case of legalized casinos.

You can find even more legal information here. 

 

So, how do you gamble online in Singapore?

The answer is by using proxy servers and VPNs that change your location. 

When European players play online, most of their games don’t actually take place in their own country.

Unless the site has a server in that country, they are technically playing abroad. The server location is the place where the online casino is regulated and licensed too.

This creates a certain grey area for Singapore players. After all, if they use a proxy server or VPN and play on a European server, technically speaking they are playing a European game.

Now if you aren’t comfortable in this grey area, you don’t have to play for real. These sites will have games you can play for free or with ‘play money’, meaning you can still have a good time gambling online.

Once you get online, there are many online sites you can use, of which you can expect great security so that keep your personal details private and secure, a variety of your favorite casino games to keep you playing all night and plenty of rewards including real cash welcome bonuses.

 

Mobile Gambling In Singapore

Even though Singapore is small, there are so many things you can be doing. If you don’t fancy being limited to one place at a time, why not take your gambling on the move with you?

Plenty of Singapore’s online casinos function just as well on mobile devices as they do on a desktop computer. Whether it’s on your smartphone or on your tablet, there’s no need to stay at home and play anymore.

The mobile gambling experience for Singapore players is available on all major platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows. All you need is some battery power, an internet connection and you’re away. 

Of course, with mobile gambling, you’re not just limited to Singapore either. Take the games on your travels across Asia and beyond.

 

The Facts And Figures

In 2018, it was reported that more residents of Singapore were gambling. The biggest increase was people aged between 18 and 29 years old, where the number of people gambling rose from 28% in 2014 to 41% in 2017.

These numbers were taken from a study by the National Council of Problem Gaming (NCPG), which occurs every three years. In fact, of the 3,000 Singapore residents that took part in the study, a lot of people from all age groups are gambling more than in previous years.

Furthermore, the study found that 52% of the participants had taken part in at least one form of gambling, compared to 44% in 2014. 

The average monthly spending on gambling also increased $20 to $30 in the same timespan.

In terms of the most popular game, the 4D lottery remains on top. 

However, while more people are gambling in Singapore, more people are also keeping themselves well away. The people that are self-excluding themselves the most were aged between 41 and 50 years old.

 

Gambling Addiction In Singapore

Now, while gambling can be a lot of fun, it can also cause a lot of problems if not managed properly.

However, in Singapore, even with the two massive casinos opening, the number of people becoming addicted to gambling in Singapore has decreased.

As per the report by the NCPG mentioned at the beginning of this article, the number of permanent residents of Singapore that had a problem with gambling was only 0.9% in 2017.

To put this into perspective, there were just over Singaporeans and permanent residents in 2017 who were over 20 years old. Therefore, 0.9% of this equates to around 28,000 people with an addiction problem.

In fact, the total number of people with a gambling addiction has been falling ever since 2005 ie before the two casinos were even open.

Only 1% of the people polled played jackpots or table games in Singapore.

One of the reasons behind this is due to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) implementing social safeguards to prevent addictions from forming; one of which being the daily S$100 levy.

So while the casinos remain an attraction for many international travelers, it seems the novelty has worn off the locals with fewer residents going than in previous years.

But even with all this considered, it’s still important to address the issue. Gambling addicts in Singapore often suffer from financial stress and cause concern for their families.

The council is doing a lot of work to raise awareness of problem gambling and offering help to anyone affected by it.

It is also increasing the number of help centers available and has even created an e-counseling service. The aim is to help people that feel uncomfortable talking about their problems by allowing them to be anonymous and talk over the phone or the internet.

 

Conclusion

Gambling in Singapore is on the rise. More and more people are coming to the city and taking advantage of the unique experience.

There are great games to play every day, no matter if you are playing at home or you take a trip into international waters.

If you have never been, there has never been a better time to gamble in Singapore. Even during the times where you don’t fancy it, the surrounding areas are packed with great activities to keep you entertained.

But even though the number of people gambling in Singapore is increasing, the number of people with a problem is heading in the opposite direction.

It’s vital that this trend continues so both residents and travelers keep coming back for more.

 

The uninterrupted rise of the online casino has been one of the most impressive digital take-overs when comparing with any industry in the online world.

Look around the web and you’ll find countless casinos, games, bonuses and loyalty rewards all available to access via your smartphone – all you really need is an internet connection and you’re away.

But that doesn’t mean you should dive in headfirst without learning just a little beforehand. After all, you wouldn’t sit down at a blackjack table without knowing a little about the game first, would you?

There are bags of information out there helping you learn and make decisions about all things online-gambling, from the best online casino games to the sites you should avoid.

But one thing’s for certain, land-based just can’t keep up with the online alternatives, no matter how hard they may try.

The benefits of playing in the comfort of your own home come in thick and fast from the lack of dress-code to the sheer choice of games to indulge in – there’s no way they can compete.

But not everything in the online gambling world is always as it seems, not all casinos are safe and if you’re not careful, they can take advantage of you and your private details.

But fear not, we’ve got 5 of the most important things you need to know before giving online gambling a go – making sure you have the upper hand when going against the casinos.

 

1. The games will always favor the casino

 

No matter how much information we acquire, how many strategies and tips we try and how many dice we throw, the harsh truth is that the games will always favor the casino.

Take a look at the odds of any game and you’ll see that the casino always comes out on top, but don’t get me wrong, there’s always still a chance to win big.

If you’re switched on between the ears, this won’t exactly be groundbreaking news, but that’s never stopped anyone from having a bit of a flutter here and there.

You can be the smartest mathematician in the world by day and still love to play slots in the evening – not because it’s a sure thing that you’re going to win – but the complete opposite.

You know you’re playing against the odds, so if you do hit that big win it makes it so much better.

The games will always favor the casino – but that doesn’t mean that the jackpots aren’t waiting to be claimed – and it’s always good to beat the boss.

 

2. Bonuses aren’t always as they seem

One of the bigger issues with online gambling and the casinos that promote it is the sign-up bonuses that you’ll receive.

On paper, these sound great, right? You’ll be able to pick between deposit bonuses, free spins, bingo tickets and so many more from different casinos around the web – but dig a little deeper and you’ll find that not all bonuses are exactly as they seem.

By looking at the small print, also known as the wagering requirements, you can find out what these bonuses really mean.

With some deposit bonuses requiring the ‘free money’ to be bet multiple times before withdrawing winnings, it’s not rare to lose out the full bonus before you get the chance to play.

It’s sneaky, sure, but it’s something to take care of when shopping around for casinos.

Not a fan of reading the small print? Look for the bonuses with no wagering requirements – this way you’ll know exactly where you stand on sign-up.

 

3. Games can sometimes be deceiving

It’s not just the bonuses that you should be wary of, but the games too when you’re playing at any online casino.

It’s always a good idea to check the rules and regulations before playing for real money – that way you’re not left with any nasty surprises when you miss the chance to win big.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I knew I narrowly avoided the jackpot through my own ignorance.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to check the general rules of the games you’re wanting to try out before you’re playing them.

You wouldn’t wander into a brick-and-mortar casino with no idea how to play blackjack and the same should be said for online casinos.

Just because it’s available to play – doesn’t mean you should go in blind – it’s always best to check before you gamble.

 

4. You won’t be winning every time

This might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised at just how many casinos and affiliates hide the fact, but you won’t be winning each and every time.

As previously mentioned, the games are always designed in the casinos favor so as much as there’s the chance to win – you won’t be winning every time.

Of course, the amounts that you’ll be winning can differ massively each time, but it’s imperative to know that some failures are imperative.

Always remember that there will be plenty of losses with the wins, but I suppose you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain, right?

 

5. Not all casinos are safe

Last but by no means least on our list is to remember that not all online casinos are exactly safe when it comes to keeping you and your data away from harm.

To avoid being conned from fraudulent sites, it’s best practice to look for those sites with a good strong reputation to fall back on.

Keep an eye out for reviews, conduct your own research and view testimonials on independent sites for a true view of how the casino operates and behaves with long periods of play.

There’s an ample number of casinos you can trust and the majority of the somewhat dodgy ones get shut down in impressively short time periods – but it doesn’t mean they aren’t out there.

Keep your wits about you and check the reputation before going all-in and depositing at any online casino.

 

You’re not a true gambling-fan unless you’ve got a place reserved on your bucket list for wagering tourist attractions, quirky games to play and the concrete giants we affectionately call casinos. 

But, if you’ve been to the one you’ve been to them all, right? You couldn’t be more wrong. 

Each casino has something special about them, from the stunning architecture you’ll find in Macao to the fountains outside of the Bellagio – there’s plenty to see and do in and around the global icons. 

Struggling to narrow your personalized list down to just 10 of the very best?

Don’t you worry, we’ve got 10 casinos that you have to visit (at least once) in your lifetime. 

 

10. MGM Grand, Las Vegas

First up on the list comes one of the most iconic casinos to grace the Las Vegas skyline – the MGM Grand. 

The casino boasts the title of largest in Clark County, occupying a huge 171,500 sq ft, but it’s not just the size that catches our attention with the gambling giant. The resort comes with countless attractions including CSI: The Experience, TopGolf and of course, the MGM Grand Garden Area. 

Worth a stop off if you’re in town.

 

9. Hard Rock Casino, Atlantic City

Hard Rock has to be one of the most iconic brands in American history and if you’re serious about gambling – you have to visit the guitar-wielding masterpiece. 

The casino’s recently undergone a huge renovation, finishing June 2018, giving a fresh feel to the classic style of the resort. With the gaming floor at 167,000 sq ft, you’ll be wandering around for hours taking in all the sites, smells and sounds that Hard Rock is famous for.

 

8. The Mirage, Las Vegas

Planted firmly on the Las Vegas strip, The Mirage is one of the most famous casinos in the world, and it’s no surprise, not with Steve Wynn and MGM Resorts International surrounding the casino’s history.

The Mirage features the permanent Beatles-themed show ‘Love’ for those that like a bit of a musical break from their gaming, not that’ll you want to with 100,000 sq ft of gaming space. It’d be rude not to visit on the tour!

 

7. Casino Estoril, Lisbon

Stepping outside of the States for a second and heading over to Lisbon, Portugal we see the hidden gem that is Casino Estoril – a prime candidate for a casino to visit before you die.

The venue is stunning and founded in 1916, it’s one of the oldest casinos in our list and it sure sticks to its old fashioned ways. You’ll only find the doors open for 12 hours stints at a time and with over 200 slots, a huge poker room and plenty of games penciled into the calendar, you’ll be using every second!

 

6. Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

Caesars Palace needs no introduction when we’re talking about the biggest and best casinos in the world, just about everyone’s heard of the venue, even if they do struggle with the spelling.

Wander through the doors and you’ll be welcomed into a huge 124,181 sq ft of gaming floor space. But it’s what’s inside the giant space that’s maybe the most impressive with a 4,500 sq ft, 24-hour poker room. An absolute must-visit if you’re a lover of long poker stents and the Las Vegas air.

 

5. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Heading over to Singapore next we find Marina Bay Sands, the first of the casinos on our list to hit the top 10 most profitable in the world.

The venue opened in 2010 and with a cost of $8 billion, reigns as the single most expensive standalone casino in the world. There are over 700 table games and a whopping 2,500 slot machines to dabble in. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!

 

4. SJM Grand Lisboa, Macao

Moving into the Chinese region of Macao now and you’ll find it difficult to beat the SJM Grand Lisboa if you’re in town.

It’s the building itself that forms perhaps the most interesting feature is that the casino permits with a giant alien-like structure dominating the skyline. There are over 800 gaming tables and over 1000 slots, but the atmosphere is where it earns its keep.

Seriously, take a look at a picture and tell me it’s not the maddest looking building you’ve ever seen!

 

3. Galaxy, Macao

There’s only one casino in Macao (and the world for that matter) that’ll beat the SJM Grand Lisboa when it comes to revenue and that’s the Galaxy.

Raking in an astonishing $5.85 billion (2014), it stands as the single most profitable casino in the world. Not bad considering it’s only been open since 2011… With 6 hotels all rocking individual themes, it makes sense to visit at least six times in the near future – don’t you think?

 

2. The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Maybe the most majestic on the strip, but a personal favorite of mine, the Las Vegas-based Bellagio has to be right up there on the list with the very best to visit. 

Watch the world-famous fountains from the window of some 3,000 rooms that the hotel has to offer before heading down to the world-famous poker room. Home to many of the professional players, ‘The Office’ as it’s commonly referred to is notorious for its high table limits and huge pots. 

Stick their long enough and you might even bump into Daniel Negreanu.

 

1. Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Coming in at number one on our list, somewhat unsurprisingly, is the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a glamorous gambling paradise located in the superrich tax haven that is Monaco.

Dating back to 1863, the casino is by far the oldest on the list and perhaps the most interesting. Although made famous from numerous Hollywood productions including Never Say Never Again, Goldeneye and Casino Royale, residents of Monaco are forbidden to a game in their own casino. 

It may be one of the most glamorous places in the world – but if you’re not allowed the odd flutter – is it really worth it?

The next big thing in gambling is expected to be the Internet of Things (IoT), which has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry, particularly slots.

One of the key drivers for the popularity of slots is their entertainment value; integration with IoT could set the stage for a massive boom for virtual and online slot machines.

 

What is IoT?

Briefly, IoT can be explained as a development where electronic devices such as sensors, monitors and cameras are connected to each other through local and global networks.

This especially applies to devices that are not traditionally connected to local or internet networks.

For example, a connected refrigerator can order milk, if it senses that you are about to run out and it does all this without human input.

The Ignite Outsourcing website further explains that IoT is designed to be an interface for machine-to-machine communications, allowing small embedded electronics to send data to other devices without requiring input from a user.

It is projected that by 2020 there will be more than 20 billion devices connected.

This is a tantalizing prospect for the gambling industry, because software developers will then make more advanced games with high-class features.

 

Personalization of the gaming experience

In addition, IoT developers have been able to gather analytic data to help shape and improve the gaming experience to make it more attractive to players.

New high-class features will no doubt improve the user experience and entertainment value and this will certainly improve the entertainment appeal for slots.

The Power Up Gaming website says one of the more easily predictable outcomes of the intersection of the IoT and slots is the personalization of the slots experience.

Every device a player uses to access mobile slots – from smartphones to tablets and laptops – is packed with sensors capable of tracking how the player interacts with the game being played.

Personalization of the gaming experience could be one of the biggest drawcards, because analytics can tell what version of a game a player enjoys, right from the theme to the style of graphics and the type of bet they can place.

“By tracking and analyzing the right data sets, online gaming platforms can learn over time how customers interact with and respond to online games.

Much like how casinos can an analyze player reactions through facial expressions, speech, and nonverbal cues, mobile devices provide a variety of ways to measure player satisfaction during the course of a game,” it was reported.

 

Analytics to help expand reach

The depth of analytics and data that developers have is expected to increase the reach and reception of mobile slots.

This will in turn enable casinos to increase their popularity to an even greater extent.

“In recent years, online casinos have experienced a significant shift from desktop games to mobile games.

IoT advanced devices will help players play their favorite games without a hitch and deliver another dimension to the online gambling sphere,” it was reported.

What IoT offers, is the intersection of the physical gambling experience with the mobile experience.

Currently, casinos can only generate money from slot machines when a player is physically present, but IoT offers a chance to overcome this barrier.

Thus, casinos can collect data without needing to have a player physically present. This is a big win for the gaming industry.

 

Engaging and reaching out to players

“The magic of mobile gaming is that it provides an environment for players that’s comfortable, convenient, and always connected.

Game operators can keep players engaged through periodic notifications, loyalty rewards that can be redeemed immediately, and by receiving consistent feedback from players and devices.

Expanding the realm of online gaming to wearable devices and other Internet-ready devices gives game operators even more opportunities to keep players engaged,” the Ignite Outsourcing website further explained.

The potential for IoT in slot machines is truly limitless. Smart watches have made it possible for users to have micro casinos on their wrists, while augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) literally bring the casino into a gambler’s home by providing a real life-like experience.

 

What about privacy?

As with all conversations about data collection and analytics, there is the matter of privacy.

Questions will linger about how online casinos will balance data collection with a user’s privacy.

Touting recent reports, the Power Up Gaming website argues that “consumers of all types are willing to forgo a certain amount of privacy in return for a better experience.”

The website says research by Vanson Bourne found that 71 percent of 22 to 35 year olds may be willing to share personal data in return for better TV content.

Other research by Accenture and the Retail Industry Leaders Association reported that 63 percent of consumers were willing to share their data in return for benefits such as exclusive deals and offers targeted at their personal interests.

“The same logic will apply to the development and marketing of online slots, with the technology of the IoT used to gather the data needed to shape an ever more personal offer,” the website said.

 

Online gambling set for massive boom

Online gambling is set for a massive boom, with a study by Juniper Research suggesting that a combination of increased uptake in digital products, coupled with new, positive regulation, will push the total amount placed in wagers to reach a total of $1 trillion globally in 2022.

In 2018, it was expected that online wagers would amount to $700 billion, up from about $620 billion in 2017.

“We believe new channels, such as chatbots, have the potential to drive customer engagement, through delivery of personalised offers, alongside 24/7 player support,” research author, Lauren Foye, said.

It is further forecast that by 2022, the total revenue of the gambling industry will reach $635 billion, while by next year online slots will occupy a larger section in the gambling market with revenues at 45 percent of the total income.

IoT could be the foundation for the growth of slots and the whole casino industry.