Being a gambler is risky business, and more often than not, a costly hobby. Still, this doesn’t discourage people from all over the world from gambling and even visiting different locations just for some exciting real-money gambling. In case you’re from Paris and you gamble in one of the casinos there, you will wish for a change of scenery after a while. So you can just pack your bags and go to Las Vegas or Macau. It doesn’t really matter which one you choose — they’re both quite exquisite locations.
The question is, why do gamblers do this? Why would you want to spend even more money on traveling abroad just so you can enjoy some slots or table games? Well, it’s quite simple actually — there’s more to real-money gambling than just winning or losing. In the end, gambling can often be just an additional activity while you’re on vacation. If you love gambling so much and you happen to be in the middle of Melbourne, why wouldn’t you go to a casino for real money? After all, gambling doesn’t care about your gender. If you’re a mum who needs a break from family and kids, you can always spend a reasonable amount of money on casino games. You might as well take a good cocktail while enjoying your slots.
But what do you do if you’re in Sin City and are not a gambler at all? Inevitably enough, you hear stories on a daily basis how this magnificent city is only good for gambling or getting married overnight. What should you do if casino games and slot machines don’t give you any thrill at all? No need to worry, although many global cities have a reputation as great gambling grounds, they have a lot more to offer than that. As someone who had spent some time on both ends (gambling and not gambling), I’m about to give you all the reasons why you can have plenty of fun with or without gambling nearly everywhere in the world.
Gambling — Why Do We Do It?
Gambling has probably been around for as long as humans — our ancestors loved the anticipation and risk just as much as we do. Historians traced gambling all the way back to ancient China, Persia, and Greek and Roman eras. Basically, all of the modern games we know and love today emerged millennia ago. Should you walk into a land-based casino, everything you see, other than slots, is probably older than your great-grandparents.
Whether we do it for the sake of fun or just to earn some easy money is irrelevant — what matters is that most of us love it. The reasons to hit a casino if you’re in one of the famous gambling cities are aplenty. In case you’re from the United States or visiting, you already know that Nevada is your go-to state should you wish to bet. This is mostly because gambling in the USA is still a somewhat hot topic — nobody is quite sure yet whether it’s ok to do it or not. Not even the states. Alas, this is not something Nevada and its residents should be concerned about — this state has been ahead of the rest for a while now. It has the most flexible gambling laws of them all, with the most popular casinos scattered all over the place. And most of the games are allowed in one form or another. If you walk into any Las Vegas casino, you can easily find plenty of table games or slots. The game lists in most of these brick-and-mortars are quite long, which is an excellent thing for gamblers.
But let’s put all that aside — what are the other reasons to gamble except for earning money and having fun? Well, for one, most of the casinos in Vegas and Macau belong to very luxurious resorts. If you’re a gambler who likes to bet big, and if you’re ready to risk it with no fear, these resorts will make sure to pamper you and shower you with nice gestures. I do advise you not to have too much alcohol — it’s usually just a way to get you drunk, so you spend more. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a fancy cocktail or two.
Additionally, these resorts include high-class hotels where you can stay. They might be costly, but that’s what makes the hotel rooms stunning. Plus, a casino is only an elevator ride away — it’s like online casino for real money. You can join anytime you want.
Some of the Best Gambling Locations
No matter where you are, the chances are that you’ll be able to win some real money. Yet some countries are more fond of gambling as leisure than others. In that light, I might become a humble-bragger for only a minute. I’ve visited most of the famous gambling cities in this world, and I would like to recommend a couple of them to you where you can play for real money and win.
- Macau
- Las Vegas
- Paris
- London
- Monte Carlo
- Atlantic City
- Singapore
- Los Angeles
- Melbourne
- Sydney
I might add Tokyo to this list very soon — in case you’re not caught up with the latest news, Japan is going to be opening casino resorts very soon. And I can’t wait to visit. It’s safe to say that all of these locations will grant you a fantastic gambling experience and while being there you will have an opportunity to choose what you prefer more — online gambling vs. casino. And if your partner is not a fan of betting, they can always spend some quality time in other luxuries these resorts offer. There are swimming pools with bars, saunas, and even water parks! And at the end of the day, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy all these features once you’re done with the casino as well.
Ultimately, you don’t need me to preach to you about all the benefits of gambling — after all, so many people became millionaires merely because they were lucky enough to hit the jackpot. And although you shouldn’t chase jackpots by betting in all the gambling sites and land-based casinos out there, it is still worth a shot every now and then. Your chances of winning some money are unpredictable, but that’s what gambling means. Either way, if you go to a casino for real money and control your urges, you will never lose too much.
But I’m Not a Gambler!
And that is perfectly fine! Not everyone is the same — as much as some folks adore the risk and the rush of gambling; to others, it doesn’t make a difference at all. If you don’t see the point in gambling or why gamblers are so hooked on it, I understand. Although I am a gambler, I control it — moreover, just a few years ago, I didn’t see much point in this hobby either.
Did that stop me from visiting locations such as Las Vegas though? No, it didn’t. Even before I started actively betting, I still visited many cities famous for their gambling industry. And you know what I found out? Gambling is just one form of entertainment these cities have to offer.
Although people go to Vegas to gamble, this city has so much more in store for you. The gambling industry, although prominent, is just one of the reasons why Nevada is so economically strong and popular.
So if you’re a person who played real-money slots only once in your lifetime (you deposited only $10, admit it), I will share my previous experience as a non-gambler with you. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see that Vegas is more than just a city of cards.
What to Do When in Las Vegas?
Here’s what most people will tell you about Las Vegas. It’s a gambling capital, you can get married in less than 10 minutes in it, and it’s the capital of Nevada. Here’s why all of these statements are wrong in one way or another. Carson City is the Capital of Nevada, Las Vegas was a gambling capital up until recently, and why would you ever want to get married in under 10 minutes?
All jokes aside, I’m breaking these statements because people don’t quite grasp just how charming this city is. It’s like when you notice a beautiful woman, and just because the society convinced you beauty and wits don’t go together, you believe she’s dumb. Well, she’s not — she’s a beautiful scientist, and you should be ashamed for judging a book by its cover.
In this metaphor, Vegas is a beautiful woman, which makes you the judgmental person. But you can easily fix this by visiting Las Vegas for something other than gambling. Here are a couple of locations that you can attend for free, and none of them include playing at a casino for real money.
- Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Fountains at the Bellagio
- LINQ Promenade
- M&M World
- Fremont Street Experience
All of these attractions are completely off-charge, and you’d be blown away to find out how entertaining they are.
Bellagio Gardens are a marvelous sight for anyone — it doesn’t matter if you’re a nature lover or not. And visiting them is a non-gambling activity. Each season, there are different various flower species to indulge your senses. Bellagio’s Fountains are amazing due to their daily water shows. The water moves in the beat of the music, and many tourists in Las Vegas enjoy this sight. It leaves you hypnotized.
Stationed between LINQ Casino and the Flamingo Hotel, this walking area reminds of a New York City neighborhood. There, you can find plenty of restaurants, lovely cafés, and a couple of clothing stores. Of course, you don’t have to spend a single penny. You can always just have some quality time by strolling through this walking area.
M&M world is an obvious choice for all the people with a sweet tooth. Obviously, you can’t just grab all the candy for free — you will have to buy it. However, the good side is that the sweets here are ridiculously cheap. And if you happen to be on a diet, you may as well just enter and enjoy the smell of chocolate.
Many people claim that Fremont is the real Las Vegas. You can find the Fremont Street Experience downtown. The best thing about it is that both gamblers and non-gamblers get to enjoy there. And in case you wish to bet, the games are not nearly as expensive as those in luxurious casinos. If you don’t wish to gamble, there are free light shows and free concerts as well. Also, drinks and food are very affordable, so you won’t spend that much money.
Downtown Las Vegas is the heart of the city with Fremont Street going directly through. Visiting this part of the town which is north of the Strip, is something that you shouldn’t miss. Some of the best museums are located there, such as Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, or even the Writer’s Block and many other of the Las Vegas museums and galleries.
Besides, you could always go on a trip to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, or simply enjoy walking around the city. The Strip is something that you shouldn’t miss since there are many things that you can try and enjoy like the Eiffel Tower and the High Roller, which is a giant Ferris wheel.
Spending Money Is Not a Problem for You
Is that so? In that case, Las Vegas has impressive social events to offer. For example, there’s the Flamingo Pool Party. Believe it or not, this is not reserved for the wealthiest and most elite guests of Las Vegas. On the contrary, a ticket to this event is only $15. You’ll join a DJ and guests cooling down in the swimming pool sipping on their drinks.
Hakkasan is one of the most popular clubs in Las Vegas. If you’re a big lover of the clubbing scene and EDM, then this is your place to go. In case you firmly believe that going to a casino is a waste of time, then Hakkasan will undoubtedly offer a good alternative. The club is not too pricey, although this does depend on how popular the guest DJ is. In case you’re a big fan of Steve Aoki, then be ready to pay a bit more for this amazing experience.
Also, believe it or not, there are places in Las Vegas dedicated to Beer Pong only. You will find plenty of these in Sin City — a couple of them are located at the LINQ Promenade. The atmosphere in nearly all of them is quite amazing, and it’s an experience you won’t forget, especially if you’re still young.
Gambling Activities in Las Vegas vs. Non-Gambling Activities
| Gambling Activities | Non-Gambling Activities |
| Poker | Sightseeing |
| Blackjack | Visiting museums, galleries, touring across the city |
| Slot Machines | Organized trips to visit the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam |
| Roulette | Performances along the Strip, and in many locations across the city |
| Craps | Death Valley and Valley of Fire State park |
| Baccarat, and others | Experience Paris, Venezia, Egypt, and so much more |
So Which One Will You Choose? It would be wrong to claim that one thing is better than the other, there are so many things that you can do while visiting Sin City. If you are looking to gamble, you will probably have any game that you can imagine. On the other hand, non-gamblers will have so much fun as well.
There are so many national parks around the city, as well as attractions that anyone can visit. From the High Roller to Hoover Dam. Furthermore, you can experience the spirit of many European cities while in Vegas like enjoying a gondola ride in Venetian or visit the replica of the Eiffel tower. In the end, it is important for you to have fun while visiting Vegas, and you should do what will make you happy.
You Don’t Feel Like Going Out?
Trust me, I understand that too. It can sometimes happen that you go to another country, and the weather is a disaster. There is nothing you can do about it instead of staying in your hotel room. But don’t allow yourself to get bored. There are plenty of things you can do while you are locked behind those walls. One of them is to find the best online casinos and play real-money slots, for example.
The majority of online casinos will offer you live dealer games. This way, you will have a feeling that you are in a land-based casino. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and there you have it, a great way to relax and have fun in your comfortable room.
Of course, I have experience when it comes to online casinos for real money too, so here are some of my suggestions when it comes to the best online casinos:
- Golden Lion
- Free Spin Casino
- Cherry Gold
- Slotty Vegas
- Bovada
Whichever you choose, you will have a great time. Those are all real-money gambling casinos, and you can choose the amount of your initial bet. My advice is to take it slow and choose the minimum amount for the deposit. This way, you will not spend too much, and you will enjoy playing longer.
How to Play Online for Real Money
Now when I advised you where to play, let me explain every little detail how you can play online to save yourself some time. In general, playing for real money and for fun is not that different. Firstly, choose one of those casinos that I recommended. After that, make an account and add your personal information. You have to add correct information since they have the right to check everything while you play. Money online can be deposited and withdrawn in different ways, and it’s your turn now to choose the method you want. All the options are usually in the Terms & Conditions.
After that, you will be ready to play and experience the best part — the casino bonuses. Those are special offers that casino gives to the players. They are great most of the time, and I recommend you always to claim the Welcome Bonus. Almost every casino has it.
Now it’s time to make a first deposit. Choose the amount, click on the deposit button and wait a bit. Each casino is different when it comes to the amount of time your deposit will be available to you. It’s usually instantly, but don’t get surprised if you have to wait for a day. Read the Terms & Conditions of the casino you chose, and you will know.
So now that you made an account and looked into the bonus offers, you will see that there is one that will usually match your deposit. You’ll receive bonus money, and you will need to clear it by betting on casino games and slots. If you win anything with that bonus money, it will be moved to your real-money account, and you can withdraw it from there.
Since all of those bonuses look similar, the most important thing is to look at the playthrough requirement. This tells you how many times you need to wager your bonus money before you can withdraw it. And lastly, they all have time limits, so look for the one that lasts the longest.
Is It Better to Play Online?
Online gambling vs. casinos? Well, no one can tell you what is the best for you since both have some cons and pros. That depends on your preferences, but playing online has its benefits for sure.
One of the biggest ones is that you don’t even have to leave your room, and you will have the same experience as in a physical casino. Also, alcohol in casinos is prohibited in some states. However, when you play from the comfort of your home, you can make yourself the atmosphere you like, not to mention all those welcome bonuses and other promotions that you cannot find in regular casinos.
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits, and you can enjoy them all. That being said, what’s left is for me to give you some tips on how to play with real money online.
First tip is to avoid every shady website. Make sure you are always playing at a legitimate and trusted casino. Winning big at a casino is only great when you can actually get your hands on the money. That’s why you should never play at a blacklisted casino since they will do anything to avoid giving you the money. Read the Terms and Conditions of each casino before depositing. A lot of things can be found there, and if you don’t read it, you might end up disappointed.
Be careful with drinks. I know you can drink as much as you want while playing at home, but a lot of alcohol and casinos have never been the best combo. Therefore, take a bit, but do not overexaggerate.
And lastly, never believe in betting systems. You can find a lot of them online, but trust me, those are all games of chance, and there isn’t any betting system that can guarantee you winnings, not to mention that they are considered illegal in some casinos.
A Word for the End
As I was writing this text, I had one major concern — what if I convince non-gamblers to start gambling and vice versa? But then, I realized there’s no harm in it. My point was to prove that even if you do go to Las Vegas, Macau, Singapore, or any other famous location, you should step out of your comfort zone. Choose whatever suits you the most: online gambling vs. casinos, or just enjoying a day at the spa, you will end up having fun either way.
If this text convinced you that gambling at these famous locations is not so bad after all, then good for you! Maybe you’ll like it more than you believe, but try to keep it responsible. However, it might so happen that you’re in Las Vegas, and you remember this text all of a sudden. If it results in you not even visiting a casino but all of the other attractions, don’t worry. No matter how entertaining gambling is, you should occasionally take a break from it. Casinos offer a lot, that’s true — but you might want to take a break from the constant war against the house edge of a casino.
Either way, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Regardless if you choose to pick online casino for real money or not, you won’t make a mistake. If anything, you can do both — that’s probably the best way to familiarize yourself with a city you decided to visit. As I’ve said, I’ve been on both ends of the equation, and they’re both equally entertaining in different ways. Have fun!
Most Commonly Asked Questions
People are often confused when it comes to real-money gambling. There are so many different questions, and now, we will answer the ones that are the most frequent.
One of the oldest concepts is that you get free drinks while gambling. It doesn’t matter if you play table games or slots, you will still get free drinks after a while, in many casinos. However, this is not something that you can find in every casino, and you won’t be able to find it in regular cafes, restaurants, or any other non-gambling locations.
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You could stay in any of the hotels in Las Vegas since it is not necessary to gamble in order to stay in a hotel featuring a casino. Among the best hotels are Bellagio, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Delano, and others. You can always check Vdara, which is an excellent hotel for non-smokers and non-gamblers.
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When you visit Las Vegas, there are so many things that you can do. While people usually think of gambling, you can do and see so much more. One of the easiest ways is to take the Big Bus that will take you for a ride across the city. There are also several museums in Vegas that you could visit. Be sure to plan your day carefully since you will have no time to visit everything that Vegas has to offer.
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Las Vegas is known for street performers, so if you take a walk, you will undoubtedly run into Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. One of the most visited locations is Bellagio that offers regular free shows. Besides, the fountains of Bellagio is something that you shouldn’t miss. There are also kitchens that will allow you to sample wine, chocolate factories, and so many other things that you can enjoy without spending a dime.
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Yes. Nevada is one of the five states that legalized online gambling. Furthermore, you can visit one of many websites that offer incredible virtual slots varying from the ones with three reels to five-reel slots. Besides, each of them will give you a chance to win big, and you can even get a number of free spins when you deposit money at an online casino.
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Yes. Online casino games are usually played the same way as the ones in land-based casinos. You can try a plethora of card games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and many more. Almost every online casino offers different versions of each game. One of the main advantages of online casinos is that there is no physical space, so you won’t have to worry about your favorite game being taken.
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There are so many great casinos that you can try online. The most important thing you should know is if the casino is checked and proven fair. Among the best casinos on the market are BoVegas, Two-Up, GoldenLion, Cherry Gold, Eclipse, and Supernova.
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It’s the type of gambling where you are allowed to deposit your real money using different methods that a casino offers. If you win something, casino will pay you those winnings. Therefore, real-money gambling is a complete opposite of playing for fun. You invest your money, and you can either win or lose everything you deposited.
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It’s the most popular type of gambling. There are many people who can’t see the point of playing without depositing and having a chance to win. When playing with real money, the excitement is bigger, and you have huge adrenaline rush wondering what will happen at the end.
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It can be safe, or you can end up without all of your money. That depends on how careful you are. There are so many casinos that are blacklisted, and you definitely want to avoid them. If you play at licensed casinos that have acceptable Terms and Conditions, it will be safe for sure.
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Yes, if you are not careful enough. There are so many casinos that are not legalised and safe. While deciding where to play, first make sure that the casino has a license. After that, carefully read their Terms and Conditions, and at the end, read all the comments from other players. If everything is fine, than it’s safe to play, and they won’t scam you.
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That depends on your preferences. There are excellent casinos that can offer you a lot, and you have to choose the one that suits you the most. Our recommendations are Golden Lion, Free Spin Casino, Chery Gold, etc. But the most important thing is to make sure you like what they have to offer. If you are satisfied, go ahead and deposit the money you wanted to.
Comments
Can anyone tell me about their experience with real money gambling? I want to try, but I want to hear opinions from other people too.
I am a passionate gambler and I only play for real money. If you know how to set your limits, and choose the right casino, nothing bad can happen. You can enjoy gambling to the fullest.
What are the best online casino for real money playing?
Hm, that actually depends on what you like. Whether you want to play poker, slots, etc. Find the one that offers the best choice of game you like and read their terms. If they are ok, then you are good to go.
What is better, online gambling vs casino? Not sure what to choose first since I am new in this gambling world.
Why don’t you try both and see it for yourself? I am a bigger fan of online gambling, but that doesn’t mean you will like it too. Deposit the minimum amount of money in both, and you will see what you like more.
What online casino can i use to play for real money living in Florida?
Florida is a bit of a grey zone and they don’t have legislation to permit online gambling. But there aren’t any laws that would say it’s illegal too. This means that you can play at online casinos that are not based in Florida.
How to play online casino in USA for real money?
That depends on a state. There are states in the U.S. that don’t allow online gambling, and if you play there, you might pay penalties. The safest way is to see what states allow gambling and go there to play at their online casinos.