The World’s Biggest Casinos: The Bold and the Baffling (part 1)

The world’s biggest casinos highlight gambling’s most massive venues

The massive economic recession that infected global commerce also had repercussions in the entire gambling industry. In an effort to create more revenue within the US, more states were getting approval to construct casinos. The internet has provided added competition for casinos. Online and mobile casinos have given people options that threaten traditional casinos and sportsbooks. A Chinese corruption crackdown has also brought down casino revenue in Asia. The industry still looks to their gambling monstrosities to save them.

• The Gold Coast’s 720-seat bingo room is the largest in the state of Nevada.
• Donald Trump is negotiating to retake Trump Plaza and Tower for upgrades
• The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino features a Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum

The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, not at the top of the world’s biggest casinos but still impressive, is about a mile from the celebrated Las Vegas Strip. Boyd Gaming, which also owns the famous Borgata in Atlantic City, owns the Gold Coast. Built in 1986, a major refurbishment has made the casino a bit more competitive. Nowadays the 86,000-square foot casino is equipped with 1,900 slot machines, 49 table games and a 720-seat bingo room which is the largest in the state of Nevada.

The world’s biggest casinos continue to the shores of the Atlantic.

Trump Plaza Hotel and Tower was once the most impressive feat of casino bravado outside of Las Vegas. Donald Trump lost control of this establishment as part of his debt restructuring after his bankruptcy. The 91,181 square foot facility houses 2,137 gaming machines and 105 table and poker games. With 728 hotel rooms, Trump Tower aims to please. The “Don” and his daughter are in efforts to regain control of the casino.

As the first casino to open in Atlantic City and make US gambling news, Resorts Atlantic City remains one of the world’s biggest casinos. The 100,000 square foot property took a hit from the recession. In addition, the Native American owned casinos have taken a share of their business. With 2,500 slot machines and 95 table and poker games, Resorts Atlantic City can still offer plenty. Colony Capital, that owns the casino, is trying to give their stake back to its lenders which include Credit Suisse.

The first global entry among the world’s biggest casinos list is the Wynn Macao, nice introduction to Chinese casinos. After the local government ended Stanley Ho’s casino monopoly, Steve Wynn was the first to negotiate this casino resort. Wynn Macao’s sound, light and water show, which uses 800,000 gallons of water, is well known. The slot machine count is at 1,270 with 390 table and poker games. A stand out feature is also Wynn’s arcade that contains designer shops such as Armani, Boss and Chanel.

Wynn remains with the Wynn Las Vegas casino resort in Las Vegas. Once Steve “got his feet wet in the casino business” the Wynn Las Vegas became his baby. As the flagship casino resort for Wynn Resorts, the property had a USD 2.7 billion price tag. Apart from the 18-hole golf course and 37 foot waterfall, Wynn Vegas features 1,900 slots machines, 167 table and poker games, 22 restaurants and bars and 2,716 hotel rooms.

The world’s biggest casinos return to Las Vegas, home of casinos.

The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino rests in Paradise, an area off the Las Vegas Strip. It made headlines when it collaborated with a gentlemen’s club back in 2008. Although the “European style topless pool” proved popular, there are plenty of other attractions in this 120,000 square foot facility. These include 1,245 slot machines, 104 table and poker games and 18 restaurants and bars.

Sheldon Adelson gave patrons an alternative to Italy. His Venetian Resort-Hotel Casino recreates Venice complete with gondolas on a quarter mile replica of the Grand Canal. The Venetian has more than 3,000 slot machines and over 300 table and poker games. It’s whopping 4,000 suites, 19 restaurants and 85,000 square foot ballroom isn’t anything to scoff at either. There’s even a Madame Tussaud’s wax museum on the premises.

The Starworld Hotel and Casino isn’t nearly the largest Macau has to offer, but it’s 140,000 square foot facility still earned its place among the world’s biggest casinos. Containing only a modest 500 slots, 284 table and poker games and 500 rooms, what the resort lacks in size it makes up for in quality. The décor and services provided by Starworld earned it the 5-Star Diamond Award in 2008.

Caesars Atlantic City, acquired by Harrah’s Entertainment in 2005, is their East Coast American flagship. The 145,000 square foot resort houses over 3,000 slot machines and 163 table and poker games. With its 1,140 hotel rooms at full capacity, there are 11 restaurants and bars to satisfy its patrons. Harrah’s might be the only casino to operate casino resorts on four continents. This casino brings an excitement that can’t be felt through online casinos in the US.