Travel gambling is a real thing with plenty of places in the world that are proud of their roots. When you think about destinations, the likes of Las Vegas and Macau will instantly spring to mind as they are the biggest players in the game. Currently, current statistics show that Macau’s casinos generate over $30 billion annually, mainly from wagers.

Still, this doesn’t mean you have to go to the same places if you want to experience what the world’s wagering scene has to offer. If anything, everything is heightened when you go outside of your comfort zone. This is particularly true since so many different cities and nations have so much to offer, such as these three surprising locations.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, and it’s named after the Dutch imperialists who settled on this South American island centuries ago. However, what’s just as shocking as the fact that Dutch is the main language is the gambling industry that dominates the country.

As it’s autonomous, Aruba can set its terms and conditions relating to gambling, which is why the market flourishes. However, it’s also down to the fact that residents can only sample the delights of casinos eight times every month. Therefore, the establishments often cater to tourists and travellers for whom the rules don’t apply.

The result is a dazzling experience that’s as good as any in a traditional gambling destination. For instance, a review of the Ritz Carlton shows that the luxury casino measures 15,000 square feet and is home to 17 table games, hundreds of spinning reels and live entertainment.

Salzburg, Austria

The city in the Alps is best known among Europeans for its world-class skiing. But if you stop frolicking in the snow, you’ll notice the bubbling gambling scene that adds millions of dollars to the economy every year.

The fact that the 12 main casinos have annual foot traffic of 2.6 million guests per year is the tip of the iceberg. After all, recent analysis highlights how the minimum share capital for a land-

based casino to open its doors in Austria is $26.5 million. That means the sector’s minimum share capital alone exceeds $300 million, and that’s without the expectation that more will be granted in the future.

Not only is the market booming, but Salzburg is an incredible city that boasts scenic views, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene. So, it’s a perfect all-rounder.

Your Home

Yes, that’s right. The place you spend most of your time in, the building you sometimes wish was bigger or grander is a gambling hot spot. Why? It’s because of the rise of internet gambling that’s taken North America by storm.

In Canada, for instance, the situation of the market brings around £12.5 billion yearly. The move into mobile and 5G has made the Canadian industry almost foolproof, and this means the amount of value on offer is comprehensive, as Bonus Finder Canada highlights. A few of their recent reports described how countless betting sites and new online casinos in Canada are launched every year, making the industry a juicy pie that’s only getting bigger.

While you never would have imagined this to be the case, the rise of the remote wagering industry means staying at home is almost as appealing as travelling since the bonuses are more extensive and there are fewer expenses. If that doesn’t surprise you, nothing will!

Aruba, Austria and your home aren’t as notorious as Nevada, Macau and Monte Carlo, yet the gambling scene is just as strong in all three, and it’s getting stronger.