Ever since the USA became a bit…Well, let’s just put it this way, I don’t know anyone who plans on visiting until they remove their leader from power. What that does mean is that many people’s travel plans has to change. No more partying in New Orleans, no more nature around San Francisco and no more casinos in Vegas.
So I wanted to highlight some great options available to you away from the USA, so if you want that Las Vegas experience or stag do destination, then hopefully you can still find the right spot, even if you can’t find an Elvis to marry you off.
Monte Carlo
This isn’t a new spot, far from it, as the Casino de Monte Carlo actually opened its doors back in 1863, which is actually before Vegas even existed! You heard that right, up until 1905 it was just a desert, when the railroad brought people in from LA and Salt Lake City.
But the image of Monte Carlo is drastically different. This isn’t an area where you spot people wandering into casinos in their shorts, Hawaiian shirts and loose flip flops. You will most certainly get rejected at the doors if you’re not dressed up smart.
Think tuxedos and cocktail dresses in most places, like something out of a movie. But as Monaco isn’t very big, it also makes most of this walkable, meaning you can hop along from place to place and tick them all off within a day or two. You’ll also be a close walk from your hotel.
This location shoots up in price around the Formula 1 season, when it comes to Monaco, so you may want to consider this if you don’t want to be shafted on price with hotel rooms.
Monte Carlo also won’t have the famous clubbing scene that people think of with Las Vegas, there is more of a focus on the beautiful architecture and Michelin restaurants.
Prague
Prague is another great spot to consider. The prices are exceptionally low, whether we’re talking about accommodation, food & drinks or transport. But they have a wealth of casinos and activities available to you.
The dress code is certainly slightly more chilled here than Monte Carlo, they still expect you to look relatively smart, but you’re not required to turn up in a suit or tuxedo. They do prefer you wearing a shirt though.
The whole city is walkable, while you can enjoy some really unique experiences during the day, such as a beer bath or admiring the bizarre statues. In fact, I’d recommend you have a read of my list of the best things to do in Prague if you’re going to visit any time soon.
The main sites include Casino Admiral, Banco (in the Old Town), King’s in the Hilton and Atrium in Hotel Ambassador.
Malta
If Europe has a digital Vegas, it’s Malta. In fact, it has even been nicknamed the Silicon Valley of iGaming, which should tell you everything you need to know. It’s this mix of physical locations and the online industry that makes this a great spot for those that like to have a flutter on some games.
But why Malta is so great is it’s also such a beautiful area. You could combine these activities with a trip to the beach, snorkel around the Blue Lagoon, dive to a shipwreck or even see the scenery used for Gladiator.
In fact, Malta has been a hubspot for a lot of movie and TV sets, including Game of Thrones, Troy and World War Z.
Going back to the gaming world, the big global conferences also take place here, including SiGMA, iGaming Next and the ESG Summit.
While the prices are very low here compared to the UK or USA, they’re still a step up from Prague. There are also a number of Poker games and live events going on throughout Malta.
The Digital Casino Culture of Europe
Travelling across Europe today, you will most certainly notice a pattern. The casino culture is expanding and growing exponentially. London is inevitably high on many people’s list if they want a reputable casino and everything that comes with it, including the lights and glamour, plus a lot of champagne.
Latvia is also becoming a popular spot for stag groups who want to try something a bit different and like to visit a casino on their big weekend away.
Maybe the surprise package for gaming seems to be Sweden, where it’s going through the roof. This is a mix between digital and physical locations, with regular gaming events now taking place. I do like that these locations all have responsible regulations in place though, such as deposit caps and restrictions in place.
Tips for Travellers Who Want The Vegas Experience
I get it, you wanted to go to the USA along route 66. I did it when I was about 24 and loved every minute of it, staying in Hooters hotel and hanging out with my close friends. Europe is a great spot, as previously discussed, while the rules vary drastically across areas of the Middle East, so make sure to read up before you go so you don’t get yourself in any trouble.
I find it crazy that so much of it is now streamed on Twitch, that feels like a whole new world to me that I haven’t yet come round to, but I get the appeal.
If you want to really build some atmosphere, some of the best non UK casino sites even stream from studios styled after real European venues, giving you the sound, lighting, and atmosphere of a classic casino without leaving your hotel room.
You could also setup your own themed night with your pals at home. You can get fun sets for around £20-£40, then kit yourself up and tell everyone to dress up smartly. If you really want to push the boat out, you could even hire a mixologist for the evening! Of course, that only works if you fancy covering the drink costs for everyone.