Best Gambling Destinations For 2008

Every year millions of thrill seekers who love playing poker, betting on the ponies, or placing bets on the big games enjoy going out to new and exciting destinations for a few days of sun, cocktails and of course gambling. Whether you live in China or Las Vegas people love to let loose and throw a little money around in hopes of hitting something big. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to satisfy your need to sin in 2008, Michael Vick’s house didn’t make the cut.

7.) Nassau, Bahamas

Known more for its beautiful beaches and resorts than its casinos, Nassau is quickly becoming more than just a “fun-in-the-sun” destination. Situated on 7 acres of palm laced lagoons, The Atlantis offers 78 different games from Baccarat to (of course) Caribbean Stud. In addition, they host many high dollar tournaments across many gambling avenues, including a slot tourney that happens to take place on St. Patty’s day. Green beer and the Bahamas sounds like a winning combo in March.

6.) Atlantic City, New Jersey

This gambling Mecca, along with Vegas, are not the trendy gambling locations that a typical list like this would recommend going to for a unique experience. The fact is that Atlantic City has it all and is such a powerhouse on the gambling front that it can’t be ignored. From the Trump Taj Majal to Bally’s, you can’t turn around in Atlantic City without bumping into a green felt table or slot machine. After 12 hours of riding the drinking and gambling roller coaster, you can sober up by taking a stroll and soaking up an Atlantic sunset on the world famous boardwalk.

5.) Macau

Where the hell is Macau? Mississippi? Nevada? Hawaii? Getting warmer. Welcome to China, the land of Mao, Yao, and Macau. Let’s cut to the chase – this place is going to be bigger than Vegas, the Chinese Vegas on steroids if you will. In Macau, the “must see” is the Venetian Macao Hotel. Complete with state-of-the-art gaming amenities and its own arena, here you can lose a pretty penny and drown your sorrows front row at a Beyonce concert all in the same hotel. How is that for making a guy feel better after taking a bad beat! Macau’s gambling roots stretch back to the 1800’s but only today is it emerging as a major gaming destination.

4.) Louisville, Kentucky

More specifically Churchill Downs, on May 5th for the 133rd Kentucky Derby. Can you think of anything better that drinking mint juleps until you have a stomach ache (or a heavy buzz), while dropping gobs of money on animals just because they have clever names? I can’t. There is more to it than that; you’ve got the big hats and the tears being shed over during the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.” The history and passion for this race run deep and the atmosphere at Churchill on that day is something that needs to be experienced by all, if not in 2008, sometime before your die.

3.) Las Vegas

Viva the Monte Carlo Brew Pub! Viva the guys on the street handing out advertisements! Viva $2.99 steak and eggs! Viva the fact that what happens in Vegas stays there! Viva drive thru weddings! Viva Elvis Impersonators! Viva $15 bottles of Visine! Viva free drinks, penny slots, the World Series of Poker, airport gambling, and hotel swimming pools. Viva Las Vegas!

2.) Sun City, South Africa

Situated in the African prairie is Sun City. If gambling gets your blood pumping, Sun City takes it to another level by also offering safaris and world class golf. 10:00am – You win $1,200 playing blackjack, 2:30pm you finally shoot a round under 100, 7:45pm – The Hummer you’re riding in stops suddenly so you can catch a glimpse of a lion pride. And then you think, what if they raced lions instead of horses at Churchill?

1.) Monte Carlo, Monaco

That’s right; we’re high rolling in 2008 James Bond style. Since the 1860’s the world’s most densely populated country has embraced gamblers with open arms. The world’s elite are drawn to the Casino de Monte Carlo to strike it rich(er). With its Ionic columns, royal garden, oceans of slot machines, and marble atrium the Casino de Monte Carlo is sure to make an impression on anyone who enters her doors.

That concludes the list, happy gaming in 2008 and GOOD LUCK!

By Nate Pachl
By Nate Pachl
http://www.punchbook.com