You’re ready to play no-limit poker or try your hand at blackjack, but you want to do this all in one space. Then you need to find a casino where you can press your luck and either hit it big or go home with just lint in your pockets. If you want this experience in the largest casinos in the world, then put these places on your vacation list.
9. MGM Grand – Las Vegas, Nevada
170,000 square feet
Of course, Las Vegas would make this list. The MGM Grand is just as well known for live entertainment as it is for its gambling options. The venue rose to prominence because it routinely hosts boxing and even MMA fights that are broadcast worldwide. The MGM Grand has more than 5,000 hotel rooms and was one of the first to focus on a family-friendly gambling environment. While parents are betting the farm, their children can enjoy magic shows or circus acts.
8. MGM Grand Macau
220,000 square feet
This brand was such a hit in Las Vegas that it was carried over to Macau, China’s playground. The Macau version is just over 50,000 square feet larger than the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This particular casino is designed to attract a diverse array of travelers. The MGM Grand Macao boasts 12 restaurants, 835 slot machines, and 410 gaming tables. High rollers can also enjoy private gaming rooms and accommodations.
7. Sands Macao
229,000 square feet
Macau really is China’s lux equivalent of Las Vegas, as the locale is known as a gambler’s paradise. The Sands Macao is one of the hottest venues in the region and one of the first Las Vegas casino brands to break ground in Macau. The casino features 289 suites, 750 slot machines, and 1,000 card tables. The Sands Macao is so popular that it’s also a major wedding venue and is said to have a lucky architectural design that ensures you’ll win.
6. Rio Casino – South Africa
266,000 square feet
Casinos can be found anywhere in the world, so it shouldn’t be surprising that one of the biggest casinos in the world is in South Africa. The aptly named resort is meant to transport you to Brazil’s iconic carnival festival. While you’re there, stop by some of the 257 slot machines and choose the one that matches your preferred denomination. The Rio also offers 12 gaming tables and private rooms for high rollers.
5. Ponte 16 – Macau
270,000 square feet
Once again, Macao makes the list with Ponte 16. It’s the only casino located within Macao’s historic district, and because of this, the venue is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Macau was once under Portuguese rule, and the architecture of the historic district and this particular casino reflect that. Enjoy 320 slot machines and 120 gaming tables. When you tire of trying your luck, relax at one of the three luxurious on-site restaurants.
4. Foxwoods – Mashantucket, Connecticut
340,000 square feet
Anyone who’s visited this casino in Connecticut knows just how massive Foxwoods is. If a casino’s goal is to keep you inside and spending money, Foxwoods has mastered this trick. The casino is actually a collection of six separate casinos and two hotel towers that are all interconnected. At 340,000 square feet, it’s the second largest casino in the U.S. Foxwoods, like many other casinos outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, is a tribal casino owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and is located on their reservation.
3. City of Dreams – Macau
420,000 square feet
If sensory overload is your goal, then City of Dreams in Macau is the perfect option. This particular casino focuses on visual entertainment and immersive sensory experiences by recreating a disco vibe from the 1970s and 1980s. It’s often billed as the ideal hotel for singles and couples who want to be in the middle of all the action. The 1,350 gaming machines and 520 poker tables will give you a nice diversion when you’re tired of doing the boogie.
2. The Venetian Macao
546,000 square feet
Located right next door to City of Dreams, The Venetian Macao is another Las Vegas brand reimagined in opulent Macau style. This casino is more than just a gambler’s haven. It’s also known for its shopping. If you’re not into betting, you can spend your time between the three massive shopping malls within the property or hop a ride on the working gondolas that make you feel like you’re in Venice.
1. WinStar – Thackerville, Oklahoma
600,000 square feet
After hearing about the wonders of Macau, you might be surprised that the largest casino in the world is right here in the U.S. WinStar is a tribal casino owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. First opened in 2004, the venue has since gone under a renovation that saw the structure expanded to its current size. In addition to serving as a gaming hub for southwestern and plains states like Oklahoma and Texas, WinStar is also a popular entertainment venue.
Have you visited any of these grand casinos? Are there any that you think should have made the list? Or, maybe you’re inspired to add one of these venues to your bucket list.
