The World’s Biggest Casinos: More of the Bold and the Baffling (part 2)

Posted: August 15, 2015

Updated: October 6, 2017

The World’s Biggest Casinos have the power to attract millions of visitors at any given time, thanks to their immense gaming offers and other non-gambling services.

Decades ago, when the fate of casinos first came into jeopardy, financiers were able to halt their extinction by using high-return bonds. The process proved risky, but everyone on the strip benefitted. Later casino developers decided to feature a lot more “family-oriented” activities to casinos. As a result, “casino resorts” became a more popular term. For a time, casinos looked as though their future would be secure. Many factors, such as the growth of online casinos in the US, have affected the casino industry.

• Casino Lisboa is the largest casino in Europe and a city landmark
• The Borgata is has over 4,000 slots and is the largest casino in Atlantic City
• The Venetian Macau is the largest casino on Earth

Our journey to the world’s biggest casinos continues with the Bellagio. This hotel, not only is in the heart of Las Vegas, but it embodies the very spirit or archetype of the classic casino. A part of the MGM Mirage family, it opened in 1995. Besides the 200,000 square feet dedicated to meetings and conventions, 155,000 square feet is equipped with 2,449 slot machines, 207 gaming tables and poker games and 20 restaurants. The fountain show is still one of the world’s finest and the blueprint for all other casino fountains.

The world’s biggest list continues with the Borgata in Atlantic City

The Borgata is a force to be reckoned with if not based on sheer reputation alone. The 1.1 billion-dollar casino resort is the largest in Atlantic City. Opened in 2003 and owned by the Marina District Development Corp. under Boyd Gaming, this “gambling beast” lies in the middle of the Atlantic City skyline among all the casinos. In its 161,000 square feet of space there are over 4,000 slot machines, 285 table and poker games and over 2000 hotel rooms.

European luxury World’s biggest casinos Portugal Lisbon

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700px; text-align: center;">The casino in Lisbon became one of the icons of the city

Casino Lisboa is the first European Casino to make the list of the world’s biggest casinos. The Lisbon, Portugal resort lies in the Park of Nations and is a landmark in the capital city. Since Casino Lisboa is the largest casino in Europe, it is the only casino to make this list. The 165,000 square foot facility offers 1,000 slot machines, 26 table and poker games and seven restaurants. Even if you don’t wish to gamble, staying in one of their 1,000 hotel rooms might prove to be a relaxing and pleasant experience.

The MGM Grand Las Vegas is the “Cadillac of casinos.” The hotel, currently owned by MGM Mirage, has still one of the largest hotels in the world with over 5,000 rooms, according to Chinese gambling news. Originally modelled to be a “Hollywood themed resort”, the resorts 293-foot high complex has five swimming pools, rivers and even waterfalls. For adults there are 2,300 slot machines, 178 table and poker games and 20 restaurants and bars sprawled between this 30-level high-rise.

The Sands Macao is the first casino on this list to exceed 200,000 in square footage. Sheldon Adelson made news when he opened this casino resort in 2004. The casino, designed by Paul Steelman Design Group, is a popular destination for many tourists from Hong Kong and mainland China. The most impressive statistic is the 1,000 table and poker games the Sands Macao offers.

The MGM Grand continues Macau’s stake in the world’s biggest casinos

The MGM Grand Macao opened in 2007. This casino is a testament to Stanley Ho’s influence as his daughter owns half a stake in this venture along with MGM Mirage. The 35-story monster has almost 222,000 square feet. Although the casino is large, it only contains a modest 835 slot machines and 410 table and poker games. This may be due to Chinese gambling laws’ strict policies towards table and slot allocation. There are definitely plans for future expansion which includes a Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Rio South Africa luxury World’s biggest casinos

South Africa also sports one of the biggest of these gambling resorts

The Tusk Rio Casino Resort is the world’s biggest casinos’ first venture into Africa. Thought to be the largest casino in the Southern Hemisphere, the Tusk Rio has a Brazilian Carnival theme. From an exchange of operational hands, Peermont Global renamed the casino Rio Casino Resort in 2006. The 266,000 square foot complex features 257 slot machines and 12 table and poker games. Located a few hours of Johannesburg, Rio Casino offers a getaway for many South Africans.

The Casino Ponte 16 combines casino and entertainment within its 270,000 square feet. Located along the inner harbor of Macau, patrons are in close proximity to the more traditional colonial buildings. This wonderful testament to Chinese casinos demonstrates the combination of Portuguese and Chinese influence. Patrons have access to 320 slot machines and 150 table and poker games. With its 423 hotel rooms, many people can experience the splendor of old-town Macau.

Melco Crown Entertainment’s jewel the City of Dreams is located across from its equally gargantuan behemoth the Venetian Macau. The USD 2.1 billion venture opened through the combined efforts of billionaires Lawrence Ho and James Packer. This 420,000 square foot facility features 1,350 slot machines, 520 table and poker games, 14 restaurants and 1,400 hotel rooms. Although revenue has been down, Ho and Packer plan on opening another “megasino resort” in October.

The Venetian Macao is Sheldon Adelson’s biggest hotel and contribution to modern society on Earth. Being the first giant casino on the Cotai Strip, it doesn’t look as though it will be dethroned for quite some time. Being the only casino over 500,000 square feet, the Venetian Macao features 3,000 slot machines, 870 table and poker games, 24 restaurants and 3,000 hotel rooms. Guests can experience the “full onslaught” of Vegas decadence. Even Cirque du Soleil has a permanent show on the premises.