Photo by Many tourist hotspots, cities, and even entire countries have built their entire business models as ‘gambling paradises’. What’s gambling paradise? It’s a place where tourists go to have fun, play adrenaline-pumping casino games, eat good food, and overall have a good time.
But, before you make your plans about playing casino games while on vacation, you may want to check whether gambling for tourists is even allowed in the place you’re visiting. Some destinations roll out the red carpet for tourists, but others prohibit gambling entirely.
Some countries are in the so-called ‘gray area’ where gambling for tourists is not entirely legal, but it’s not illegal either. Knowing this information can save you some confusion (and potentially some money), so today, we’ll take a look at which countries accept, and which prohibit casinos for tourists.
Countries Where Casinos Are Legal for Tourists
We’ll start with the countries where you can legally play in casinos as a tourist:
- United States
Casinos are big business, especially in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where tourists make up the largest part of the revenue. Each state has its regulations regarding gambling, but if you’re over 21, you can play your favorite slot games, try a hand of blackjack, or place inside bets on roulette at any Las Vegas and Atlantic Casino.
- El Salvador
El Salvador may not be the first country that comes to mind for casino tourism, but the Central American country is home to dozens of casinos that open their doors to tourists. Casinos were legalized in the 2000s and now you can find plenty of gaming options (although they’re predominantly located in San Salvador).
- Macau
Macau is the new gambling capital of the world, as it attracts over 35 million tourists annually. It’s home to some of the biggest and most grandiose casinos you will ever see, and tourists are free to enter and play casino games with no restriction. The legal age is 21, so as long as you’re 21 or over, you’ll be allowed to enter those massive casino doors.
- Australia
Australia has relaxed casino laws in general, and tourists can also enjoy all types of pokies and other casino games at the casinos in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The minimum age requirement is 18+.
- The Philippines
The Philippines has the fastest-growing casino scene worldwide, and new mega casino resorts are popping up regularly. The most famous are Resorts World Manila and Okada Manila, where tourists are welcomed and can legally play the thousands of casino-style games that are on offer.
Countries Where Gambling is Legal, But Only for Tourists
There are some countries where gambling has been legalized, but only for tourists. Such examples are Cambodia and Vietnam. For example, there are several casinos in Cambodia, but they are only available for foreigners. So, to access them, you need to be a foreigner and provide your passport. Here’s the list of countries where gambling is only available for tourists:
- Monaco
Monaco’s Casino de Monte-Carlo is probably the most famous casino in the world. Tourists have been visiting Monaco and playing at casinos for over a century. But, the intersting thing about Monaco is that locals are not allowed to gamble. This means that the place is specifically designed for international players (particularly high-rollers), so as long as you’re not a Monegasque resident, you’re good to go.
- Singapore
Singapore has become another casino state, and it’s now home to some of the most modern and impressive casino venue. Think of Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa – widely considered to be the most luxurious casinos out there. Tourists are allowed to gamble at all Singapore casinos, but locals have to pay a large fee to enter these casinos – which means that they’re too designed predominantly for tourists. All you need to do is show your passport on entry, and you’re good to go.
- Cambodia
Locals in Cambodia are strictly prohibited from entering the casinos. They’re only for tourists, and you need to bring your passport to enter.
- Vietnam
Similar to Cambodia, Vietnam has several casinos, but they cater exclusively to tourists. Vietnamese citizens are not allowed to gamble in any form, while visitors can freely enter these venues and play.
Countries Where Gambling is Strictly Prohibited for Everyone
As fun as gambling is, some countries prohibit it entirely for both citizens and tourists. So, if you’re visiting one of these countries, don’t even think about playing your favorite casino games. The list includes:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai is the biggest tourist hotspot of the 2020s, but gambling is completely banned in any form in the UAE. Both casinos and online gambling are illegal, and the penalties for breaking these laws can be very severe. So, if you were planning on trying your luck while vacationing in Dubai – think twice.
- Qatar
Like the UAE, all forms of gambling are prohibited in Qatar – regardless if you’re a local or tourist.
- Indonesia
The laws in Indonesia prohibit anyone from playing any form of casino games, and this applies to both locals and tourists. As popular as Bali is, you should be prepared that you won’t find any legal casinos there, including online casinos.