What Are Low Stakes Casino Destinations?
First up, it makes sense to explain exactly what is meant by low stakes casino destinations.
These are casinos where it is possible to play with a small amount of money, rather than ones where the minimum bet is set at a level where players need to be high rollers to enter.
Affordable casino destinations are popular among people who enjoy gambling but do not have a large bankroll, or those who are new to casinos and just want to dip a toe in the water.
By going to low stakes casino destinations worldwide, the risks of losing money are reduced as a result.
While most players will lose cash rather than winning money at the casino, sticking to low stakes cuts the financial risks involved in playing games such as craps, blackjack, slots and roulette.
Las Vegas Surprisingly Among Low Roller Casino Destinations
It may come as a surprise that Las Vegas can be a top low roller casino destination.
For a lot of people, Vegas has the reputation of the home of gambling. There are countless slot games in Sin City and a lot of action for poker players too. Anyone who prefers table games also has an almost endless choice to pick from – and the good thing is the range of stakes available.
While the famous casinos that are in a prime position on the Las Vegas Strip are not exactly known for low stakes gameplay, moving a bit further away from the main spots can pay off.
Many casinos that do not attract the tourist crowds have plenty of low stakes action. However, it is a good idea to visit during the day and during the week, rather than on an evening at the weekend.
When there is less demand for casino games is when low stakes tend to be offered. It is not uncommon for $5 a hand blackjack or roulette wheel games to be available, while many casinos have penny slots.
Even on the Strip, there are enough spots to make Vegas a great low stakes casino destination as well.
Players could try their luck with low stakes games at O’Sheas Pub Las Vegas, which can be found within The Linq Promenade. Cheap beer and a fun time are guaranteed at O’Sheas, while there is live entertainment too.
Casino Royale, Circus Circus and Excalibur are some of the other top low stakes casinos in Vegas.
Try Atlantic City For Affordable Casino Destinations
Along with Vegas, Atlantic City is probably the most famous gambling location in North America, although Reno is another city worth mentioning in this category.
Atlantic City casinos offer a wide range of stakes, catering for high rollers through to those who just want to play a few hands of blackjack without breaking the bank.
Among the low roller casino destinations worth visiting in Atlantic City are the likes of Harrah’s and Borgata, both of which often have $10 tables, especially during quieter periods.
Unlike in Vegas, however, it is quite rare to find a $5 casino game at Atlantic City, so visitors might need to push their budget a bit higher if they are planning to go to this low roller casino destination.
Atlantic City is also the home of attractions such as Absecon Lighthouse, which stakes a claim to be the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, as well as the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Pipe Organ Tour and Recital.
Low Stakes Casino Destinations in Europe
Europeans and those heading to the continent can also pick from some low stakes casino destinations.
London is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but those who go to the city can still enjoy some low stakes gambling while seeing the sights such as Big Ben.
One such low stakes casino destination in London is Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City, where £1 tables are even available in a special low stakes zone.
Visitors to the casino can play roulette and blackjack for just a pound during certain hours. Entry to Aspers Westfield Stratford City is free but players who are fortunate enough to cash out £1,500 or more during their visit will require Aspers World Membership and a valid photo ID.
The Hippodrome Casino is another option for low rollers who want to gamble while in London.
At this location, which is known as the biggest entertainment and casino venue in the country and welcomes millions of visitors every year, there are four floors of gaming to explore.
Named the Casino of the Year in 2023, the Hippodrome is also the host venue for Magic Mike Live, which has been described as one of London’s fastest selling shows.
On the mainland, Prague has a growing reputation as one of the top low stakes casino destinations in Europe. Casinos worth visiting include the Rebuy Stars Casino Savarin Prague and King’s Casino Prague.
The latter venue houses Europe’s biggest poker room but there are plenty of slots and table games such as roulette and blackjack to enjoy at King’s too.
Monte Carlo is known as one of the top places in Europe to go for gambling. However, the Monte Carlo Casino is more aimed at high rollers rather than those who do not have a lot of cash to splash.
Nevertheless, the Monte Carlo Casino is worth checking out. Found in Monaco, it opened 158 years ago and is known for only welcoming foreigners – there is a rule banning all Monegasques from gambling.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is known for having featured in many movies over the years, particularly the James Bond spy franchise.
Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye have both featured the casino, which can also be spotted in Condorman and The Castle of Cagliostro, as well as the animated children’s film Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.
Is The Star Sydney a Low Stakes Casino Destination?
While gambling is popular in both Australia and New Zealand, this part of the world is not home to many low stakes casino destinations at the present time.
The Star Sydney is the second largest casino in Australia – taking the silver medal behind Melbourne’s Crown Casino – with the 2,000 seat Sydney Lyric theatre and 3,000 seat Event Centre both here.
At the Star, guests can play from AUD $25 per hand in the Sovereign Room, while the Inner Sanctum caters more for high rollers with its table bet ranges more like AUD $100 to $500,000.
Crown Melbourne is actually the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere, having moved to its current location on the Yarra Promenade some 27 years ago.
Guests can choose to stay at one of a trio of hotels – Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, and Crown Metropol – that are part of the casino resort. Crown Melbourne uses the YourPlay system, which means visitors have to set loss limits for both time and money.
Gambling in New Zealand is not quite as popular as in neighbouring Australia, but there are still half a dozen casinos to pick from.
For a low stakes casino destination in New Zealand, the best choice might just be Christchurch Casino, which was the first location of its kind to open in the country back in 1994.
With more than 450 gaming machines to enjoy and 32 table games at the casino, players are spoiled for choice when they walk through the doors of Christchurch Casino in New Zealand.
Visitors can also watch the big game at the Monza Sports Bar and take a break from gaming by having a drink or some food at the Skylark Bar and Lounge.
Where Are Asia’s Best Affordable Casino Destinations?
Macau attracts gamblers from all corners of the globe, but low stakes casino destinations are thin on the ground. High rollers will love Macau, but those on a limited budget may struggle to find games in this incredibly glitzy and glamorous part of the world.
However, Macau is still worth visiting with the Venetian having the largest casino floor in the world. There are almost 2,000 gaming machines at the casino, along with more than 500 table games.
In Macau, the Grand Lisboa is perhaps the best place to go for some lower stakes action. But guests should expect to still need to be gambling a significant amount of money on each hand here.
Singapore has luxury gambling resorts such as Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. The former was described as the world’s most expensive standalone casino property when it opened.
Resorts World Sentosa, meanwhile, is one of the top tourist attractions in Singapore.
It is home to the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is one of the biggest oceanariums on the planet, as well as Universal Studios Singapore.
Formula One fans should definitely think about taking a trip to this location as it is the home of the Singapore Grand Prix, which has become one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the sport’s calendar.
The Philippines is home to some of Asia’s most affordable casino destinations, particularly in Manila.
One of the top options to go for is City of Dreams Manila, a luxury resort which houses the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recipient Nüwa Spa.
Open 24/7, some low stakes games can be found at City of Dreams, particularly during the day rather than on a weekend evening, where the action is more targeted towards high roller players.
Wild Aces Poker Sports Club is also worth visiting for a low stakes hand or two in the Philippines.
Various low stakes casino destinations worldwide are available in the Philippines, but Wild Aces Poker Sports Club deserves to be ranked up there with the best of them.