World's Best Casinos

Christina Valhouli

Sun City, South Africa

Sun City, about two hours outside of Johannesburg, is an over-the-top bit of Las Vegas in the middle of the bush. The resort has four hotels and a wave pool, and also offers safaris in its own private park as well as golf. Most of the gambling--and the most luxurious area of the resort--is called The Palace of the Lost City, but the majority of the gambling is centered around The Sun City Hotel. The casino features 852 slot machines and 38 tables for American roulette, blackjack, stud poker and Punto Banco and in case you're feeling like Lady Luck isn't on your side, there's also a gaming school to brush up your skills.

The Casino Metropol, Moscow

There are dozens of casinos in Moscow, and the most elegant--and safest--are attached to hotels. The Casino Metropol, part of the Hotel Metropol, is located just a few minutes from Red Square and the Kremlin. The 24-hour casino features 11 tables with blackjack, roulette and poker, and the minimum stake is $25. The dress code is business attire.

Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

The Atlantis resort has a lot of superlatives attached to its features. The resort is home to one of the world’s most expensive hotel suites--its Bridge Suite costs $25,000 a night--and its casino is the largest in the Caribbean. The casino has 980 slot machines and 78 gaming tables including baccarat, roulette, craps, blackjack and Caribbean stud poker, and a high limit table area called the Baccarat Lounge. Unlike most casinos, the Atlantis gambling floor has skylights and windows, with panoramic views of the resort.

Bellagio, Las Vegas

When the Bellagio opened in 1998, it was, at $1.6 billion, the most expensive hotel casino ever built. Six years later, the Bellagio is still the most elegant casino in Las Vegas. The casino has 200 tables for roulette, craps, and roulette, and a staggering 2,000 slot machines. The Bellagio Poker Room has special high-limit tables, and the resort hosts the Five-Star World Poker Classic. Guests (whether they're high rollers or not) have access to Bellagio's restaurants, including outposts of Olives and Le Cirque, as well as its famed Cirque du Soleil show "O".

Hotel Lisboa, Macau

Macau, once a Portuguese colony but now governed by China, is largely supported by revenues from its gambling industry. According to the CIA World Fact Book, in 1998 the gambling and tourism sector accounted for 57% of the government's budget receipts and almost 43% of the GDP. Casino developers Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson are currently building casinos there. The largest casino on Macau is the Hotel Lisboa, but for a less crowded and more upscale experience head to the Mandarin Oriental Macau. The luxury hotel has a 24-hour casino, with 59 slot Machines and 11 total gaming tables, with Baccarat, blackjack and roulette.

Casino Baden-Baden, Germany

Most people come to Baden-Baden for its thermal waters--and the place to stay in town is Brenner's Park Hotel. The Casino Baden-Baden first opened in 1809, and during subsequent years it changed owners and was shut during both World Wars. Marlene Dietrich once said that the casino was the most beautiful in the world. Private gaming salons are named for Madame Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress, as well as the Baccara Terrace. At one point, real silver and gold chips were used on the roulette tables. The 32,289-square foot casino features 113 slots and 24 table games, for American roulette, Baccarat, French roulette, poker and roulite.

Clermont Club, London

Because of gaming laws, anyone who wants to visit a casino in London must apply for membership to a private club at least 24 hours in advance. One of the most exclusive, and civilized clubs in London is The Clermont Club, located in Berkeley Square. In 1972 it was bought by Playboy Enterprises, and a few weeks after its opening guests included Roger Moore and the late Princess Margaret. The club has since been sold off by Playboy, and today features six tables for Baccarat, blackjack, and English roulette.

Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco

Gambling has been a part of Monte Carlo since Prince Charles III of Monaco inaugurated its first casino in 1863, and it immediately drew nobility, royals and businessmen. While there are a handful of casinos in the principality, the top hotels and best casino are run by the Société de Bains de Mer. The Casino de Monte Carlo was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, and its lobby features a marble-paved atrium with 28 Ionic columns as well as lavish bronze and gold ornaments. The casino features 316 slot machines and 35 tables for Roulette, craps, and blackjack. Jacket and tie are required in the private gaming rooms.

Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, Altantic City

When the sprawling Borgata opened last summer, it was the first casino to be built in Atlantic City in 13 years. The casino's aim was to bring a little bit of Las Vegas to the East Coast, and it has succeeded. The casino has already announced plans to expand, and celebrities such as Howard Stern and David Schwimmer have been spotted there. The casino offers 3,650 slot machines and 145 table games, and high rollers will enjoy the twin $1,000 slot machines.