Feel lucky? Feel like taking a shot at your lady luck and getting things rolling in your favor? If you're in the mood to roll the dice or pull the lever and score a jackpot, then hit these magnificent casinos spread through the world.

Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

Book cheap airline tickets to Las Vegas and check out one of Vegas's trademark casinos. Caesar's palace features over 165,000 sq. ft. of gaming area, stunning architecture, elaborate mosaics and a huge spa with Roman Baths. All the interiors and buildings are inspired from Ancient Rome. The Palace enterprises of more than 3,000 rooms and suites, 25 unique restaurants and about 50,000 sq. ft. of Qua Baths and Spa.

The Wynn Macau, China

Hop on a low-cost flight to Macau and head to The Wynn. The casino features more than 200,000 sq. ft. of gaming area; about 1,000 luxurious rooms, 1,000 slot machines and 500 table games. The Wynn also entices shoppers with a shopping complex covering more than 50,000 sq. ft. of area. The resort is also home to a renovated spa center along with 6 gourmet restaurants.

Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut

Foxwoods features approximately 344,000 sq. ft. of gaming area, with over 4,360 gaming machines, about 280 table games and one of the largest bingo halls in the world.

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

One of the most lavish properties in the world, Resorts World Sentosa is not only home to a casino and about 9 hotels but also features a giant aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and a Universal Studios theme park. The casino has nearly 2,400 slot machines, and over 500 table games.

The Kurhaus of Baden-Baden, Germany

This 1820s hotel casino presents imperial German luxury. The Kurhaus is considered to be one of the most elegant and exclusive casinos in Europe. Baden-Baden is very popular for its therapeutic mineral springs. The casino features over 100 slots and about 20 gaming tables including Poker, American Roulette, French Roulette and Blackjack. Visitors can spend their time relaxing in the renovated spa or taking a stroll at the beautiful Black Forest.

The Clermont Club, London, United Kingdom

Nestled in Mayfair's Berkeley Square in London, The Clermont Club is considered as the best casino in the English Capital. It offers discreet gaming on 6 tables including Baccarat, Punto Banco, Blackjack, Poker and English roulette. The casino is known for its grandeur and sophistication with stunning baroque design and a beautiful spiral staircase. If you wish to gamble here, you'll need to apply for a club membership at least 24 hours before your visit.

While many religions and moralists may object to the act of gambling, it can not be denied that it could, through proper legalization and monitoring, benefit nations as a whole. Illegal gambling may pose problems to a society, but as many nations are slowly discovering, its legalization coupled with proper controls can, in fact, turn out to be a better solution.

Around the world, western countries like the United States of America remains to be the few places to earn revenue through legal gambling. This, however, does not mean that Asian countries are missing out this big opportunity. Already countries like Macau are advancing in their 'gambling industry', reaping about US $ 2.5 billion in early of year 2011. Of course, Macau, other known as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient' is quite unique, having had legalized gambling since the 1850s and is still the only Chinese territory that fully allows gambling. In fact, gambling is what boosts its tourism sectors, making it Macau's biggest source of income.

Other countries, having witnessed the lucrative benefits, slowly but surely followed suits. In Malaysia, it is legal to gamble as long as it is operated under government license or license; gambling at homes or in public places are considered as illegal. However, the legality of gambling are also restricted to certain ages and religions – one must be a non-Muslim and over the age of 18 in order to enter any legal gambling concessions. By far, Genting Highlands' casino resorts still draw large group of 'tourists', most of them from neighboring countries.

One of these neighbouring countries happens to be Singapore, who used to be an anti-gambling nation. As a result, most gambling Singaporeans would travel to Malaysia and few came home with a fortune. Pressured to retain those income within Singapore as well as to boost the tourism industry, Singapore finally lifted its gambling ban in year 2005 and the very first Singapore casino was opened to public in early year 2010. The billions of dollars poured into this economy certainly did not disappointment; not only have the casinos vastly improved the country's tourism but it was also predicted that Singapore may take over last Vegas' spot of the world's second largest gambling hub.

But there is yet another up and coming Asian country that will attempt to knock Singapore off its glorious seat, and may just as well do so successfully. The Philippines generated about US $ 69.58 million in gambling industry in early year of 2011, all thanks to their gambling-favored laws that allow both offline and online casinos. There is yet to be any precedent or law that prevails the legitimization of online gambling. This is not surprising as gambling not only welcomed in tourists and income, it is also indirectly bought in foreign investors, something that the Philippines are lacking. However, legal online gambling sites are limited to only foreigners while Filipinos can gamble away at any government owned sites.

With more Asian countries slowly opening up to the idea of ​​an industry for legal gambling, it may not be long before Asia became the main port in gambling tourism. Even now, the Asia market is slowly increasing and more people are flocking over for an integrated experience – from traveling, sightseeing, and all the way to gambling.

Macau, or “Asia’s Las Vegas” as it is sometimes referred to, has gone from zero to hero during the last decade, outrunning its Nevada counterpart in terms of both volume and range of games, and while the former Portuguese colony has much more than just gambling, a Macau travel plan is incomplete without visiting some of the cities famous casinos.

Casino Lisboa Macau

A proper “casinos safari” should obviously start from the “Lisboa”, Macau’s iconic gambling house, which for many years was the only casino in the city, and has made a name for itself for its rowdiness, smoke-chocked rooms and promiscuous cabaret shows… Things look more “civilized” nowadays, but the Lisboa certainly retains some of its colonial-days charm…

Grand Lisboa

The Grand Lisboa occupies a gleaming 250 m lotus-shaped skyscraper, right in front of the good-old Lisboa, and while it lacks the ambience of its ‘older brother’, it more than makes up for it with a decent range of games (including Texas hold ’em), a fabulous buffet restaurant, and the famous ‘Crazy Paris Show’… This is also where you can see ‘The Star of Stanley Ho’: The world’s largest cushion-shaped internally flawless D-color diamond.

Wynn Macau

Still around the corner of the Lisboa, Steve Wynn’s Wynn Macau occupies a modern glass-clad monolith, with 100,000 square feet of casino space, and other than gambling you can enjoy a lovely Italian dinner at ‘Ristorante il Teatro’ and watch the famous Wynn Performance Fountain.

Sands Macau

Further up Avenida de Amizade, the colossal gold glass-clad facade of Sands Macau can be seen from every corner around that area. This huge casino used to hold the title of the “world’s largest casino” until the Venetian opened up, in 2007, but although it is no longer “the biggest”, it is certainly one of Macau’s most impressive gambling halls. One of its restaurants, 888 Gourmet Place, features what is possibly the best Las Vegas style buffet in Macau.

City of dreams

Recently opened City of Dreams is the hottest thing in Macau nowadays, and while the colossal casino is not as big as the one at the neighboring Venetian, it is properly geared for mid-range gamblers, which might make it more popular among the average tourist. In terms of entertainment, you should see their ‘Vquarium’ (virtual aquarium) and the ‘Dragon’s Treasure Show’.

The Venetian

And finally… The world’s largest casino: The Venetian. Nestled within the spectacular Venetian Macao Resort, the Venetian casino boasts a gambling space of almost 600,000 square feet, with 3,400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables, spread across four themed gaming areas. While there, you should make a point to hang around the Venice-themed ‘Grand Canal shoppes’, one of Macau’s most extravagant shopping and dining complexes.

Macau might be one of those places which is difficult to locate on a world map, but it surely is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Asia. Macau tourist attractions are never ending. Besides other notable places of tourist interest in Macau, add museums to your list to make your sightseeing tour more interesting.

Set amidst the picturesque Macau peninsula and islets, these Macau Museums present you with a splendid tour of the wealthy past of Macanese society and growing present.

Museum of Macau

Located at the Monte Fort, facing the St. Paul’s Ruin, the Museum of Macau is the best way to learn about the interesting history and the colorful culture of Macau. The museum showcases the best of Macau culture and its residents, so it is highly recommended to visit.

Fire Services Museum

Built in European style this museum is the most unusual museum of Macau. It symbolizes how Macau pays homage to the volunteers who had endangered their lives just to protect others. It exhibits the typical British fire engines, a replica that shows a fireman sliding down a pole along with information, pictures, medals, flags and shield. Manual pumps prepared by Chinese and British are also shown in this museum.

Macau Communications Museum

Opened in 2006, Macau Communications Museum is the newest among all the Macau museums. Offering separate sections on Philately and Telecommunications, the museum holds special sessions for students to generate interest in scientific and technical understanding of telecommunication.

Macau Wine Museum

Home to around 1115 wine varieties, the Macau Wine Museum is unique among all the museums in Macau. This museum is the first of its kind in Asia where you get to know the history of wine and the process of wine-manufacturing.

Taipa Houses Museum

Set up in a peaceful and serene location, Macau’s Taipa Houses-Museum is only one of its kinds in the world. The relaxing atmosphere and the multicolored cultural colours inside the museum symbolize the diversified culture of Macau. The museum includes five distinctive green houses that are good examples of Macanese architectural traits from Portuguese Matrix.

Gallery Millennium

As its name suggests the Gallery Millennium is a predecessor of the new era in Macau, signifying the glorious days of Macau that began long before the advent of the Portuguese masters. The museum makes great effort to preserve the cultural glory of Macau dating back to 12th century combining it with the modern cultural life of Macau.

Macau Grand Prix

Dedicated to sports events in Macau, this museum was inaugurated in 1993 to commemorate the 40th year of the Macau Grand Prix, an event that takes place each year in the month of November. Macau Grand Prix museum displays a number of automobile and motorbike which were used in the sport races.

Maritime Museum

Located where the first Portuguese sailors arrived in the 16th century, Maritime Museum reminds of the linkage between Macanese culture, history and the sea. The “Little A-Ma Theatre” in the museum tells the fairy tale of Goddess of Sea. Other floors of the museum are devoted to maritime Technology and Transport and display different discovery trips.

Tap Seac Gallery, Handover Gifts Museum, Museum of Nature & Agriculture, Macau Tea Culture House, Lin Zexu Memorial Museum, Macau Urban Development Exhibition Room and Sun Iat Sen’s Memorial House are the other museum that you visit if have time and interest.

Whether you plan a business trip to Macau or visit this place as family vacation, the city offers its visitors a good choice of hotels in Macau that suit to every traveler’s taste and budget. To enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Macau, book a good hotel of your choice.

Although it is famous for its vivid nightlife, Macau is not usually seen as a “romantic” destination, but thanks to its numerous heritage buildings, old cobblestone alleys and picturesque coved beaches, the territory enjoys its fair share of romantic spots.

This article will guide you through seven places in Macau where you can whisper sweet nothings to your significant other…

1. Perched on the 61st floor, Macau Tower’s Outdoor Observation Deck is probably the best spot in town to spend the twilight hour. The views from here are simply breathtaking, particularly at dusk, when the flamboyant neon signs of Macau’s casinos start to light up, one after another.
2. Housed in an old colonial building, right next to Senado Square, La Bonne Heure is a lovely bistro-style restaurant, serving fabulous French cuisine in an elegant surroundings… Curved brick arches and dim lights help to create the cozy atmosphere or which the restaurant is known, while the bar features a more vivid ambience.
3. Nestled within a family-run boutique hotel, right on Coloane Island’s most picturesque beach, Pousada de Coloane is a small and cozy restaurant, serving homey Portuguese fare in a pleasant and somewhat rustic atmosphere… Be sure to top off your romantic dinner with an arm-in-arm stroll on the beach.
4. Although it is not exceptionally swanky or glamorous, Ristorante La Gondola makes a perfect choice for a romantic candlelit dinner. Perched along picturesque Cheok Van Beach, on Coloane Island, it has a large terrace, overlooking the ocean, where you can dine alfresco while enjoying the sea breeze. The food here is unpretentious, but solid good, with a decent choice of wood- fired pizzas and homemade ravioli and lovely sangria to complement.
5. The old Coloane Village is one of those places where time has stood still… A labyrinth of narrow alleyways, lined with tiny Chinese temples, catholic churches and old courtyard houses, where people continue to keep their sleepy lifestyle, just like their forefathers did more than a century ago… Espaco Lisboa, one of Macau’s most romantic restaurants is nestled in one of these old two-story houses and serves homey Portuguese food and fantastic wines in a cozy atmosphere… Make sure you book the balcony well in advance.
6. Pousada de Sao Tiago is one of Macau’s nicest boutique hotels. Built within the fortifications of an old Portuguese fort, facing the inner harbor, this small hotel is both romantic and characterful. There are three spots here that are worth knowing about: The first is La Paloma Restaurant, which serves fine Spanish cuisine in a swish and intimate interior, the second is Cascata Bar, where you can have your afternoon tea, or sundowner cocktails in an elegant and cozy set up and the third is The Terrace, which to me is the best place in the hotel.
7. Il Teatro is one of Macau’s most sought after Italian restaurants and definitely one of the most romantic. Located at the swanky Wynn Macau, the restaurant overlooks the famous “Fountain Show”, which is one of its most significant advantages, and serves classic Italian specialties, from decadent pizzas and handmade pastas, to authentic dishes from Southern Italy. As expected, window seats are at a premium here and need to be booked well in advance.

Taipa is the largest island of Macau and one of the nicest areas in the territory, but while many tourists come here to visit the old “village” and the new casino-resorts on Cotai Strip, less than a few of them know the island boasts some less familiar sightseeing spots that are also worth visiting.

This article will guide you through three of the less visited sightseeing spots in Macau.

1) Pou Tai Un Temple

Tacked on small Lou Lim Leok Street, far from the Taipa’s touristy areas, this temple and monastery is not as ancient as the famous temples on the peninsula, but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in lavish decorations and ornaments.

Built 150 years ago, Pou Tai Un Temple is possibly the territory’s most architecturally rich shrine and other than beautiful statues and religious pieces-of-art, it also boasts some beautifully manicured gardens. Another good reason to come here is the temple’s vegetarian restaurant, where you can enjoy a nice meal at a fairly moderate price.

2) Taipa Pequena Hill

Only a few of the visitors who come to Macau know that Taipa used to be two separate islands in the past, until land reclamation projects united them… Taipa Pequena Hill (Small Taipa), is one of these “historic” islands.

Rising above Pou Tai Un Temple, in the northern part of Taipa, the forested hill boasts a nice and fairly easy trail, as well as some view points from which you can take beautiful views of Macau Peninsula and the mighty bridges.

One of the main attractions here is the “Taipa sculpture complex”: A chain of beautiful wall reliefs on a zigzagged wall, depicting the day-to-day life of the people of Macau. These sculptures were created by Portuguese artist Dorita Castel-Branco, who was inspired by The great wall of China.

3) Taipa Grande

Taipa Grande, the island’s highest hill, is located in the southeastern corner of Taipa, between Macau International Airport and historic Taipa Village, and just like Taipa Pequena, this hill was also once a separated island.

The main draw here is the “Taipa Grande Trail”, which climbs to the top of the hill, passing through some lovely observation points and primary forest.

The trail starts from Nicolau de Mesquita Street. To get here from Taipa Village, you should walk through Rotunda Ouvidor Arriaga and Hotel Taipa, until you see a tiny park on your right hand side, neighboring a small cemetery.

That’s all folks, if you plan to stay in Macau for more than just a day or two, and want to see more than just the usual touristy spots, than Taipa’s “hidden gems” are well worth thinking about.

The Chinese city of Macau is a popular holiday destination, but there is one big problem for gay tourists – there are no gay venues. However, if you are planning a trip away then don’t be put off this destination just yet.

If you are looking for gay nightlife then Macau might not be the best holiday destination for you. Whilst there used to be a gay establishment in the past, it was eventually shut down. Many of the locals frown upon homosexuality, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any options for a great night out.

When it comes to a noticeable gay presence, you may be better off traveling to Hong Kong where there are a number of bars and clubs catering to the gay community. In Macau itself there are still a number of bars and clubs which you can enjoy alongside both gay and straight visitors.

When it comes to those places that welcome gay customers it pays to know where you are going, especially to find those bars and clubs that aren’t advertised. However, if this isn’t possible then you can still enjoy much of what the diverse Chinese culture has to offer.

As it stands, there is not a huge demand for Macau gay bars and clubs. Until future gay bars start to open, you may want to think carefully about your options when it comes to planning your holiday. If you know what you should expect then you can avoid disappointment when you arrive.

If you want to eat the best Macau food, there are many top choices. The stunning variety of distinction cuisine available in Macau makes this small but international city a paradise for food lovers.

Macanese Cuisine

With over 450 years of history, Macanese cuisine is unique and irresistible. It is a special combination of Portuguese and Chinese cuisines. Common cooking techniques include bake, grill and roast. Signature dishes include African Chicken, Macanese Chili Shrimps and Crabs. The best bake Macau food would be 'Baked Duck Rice'. Different chef produces different specialty, but some can make it crunchy with gold color outside, soft and chewy inside. For the grill dishes, the most popular being grilled sardine or eel. Roast veal and lamb are also broadly popular.

Portuguese Cuisine

With Macau's unique historical background, here you can find the most authentic Portuguese cuisine away from Portugal. Typically seasoned with salt and various spices – Portuguese cuisine has a briny and zesty combination. Bacalhau is one of the highlight of Portuguese cuisine which can be prepared in more than a thousand delicious ways. Most popular dishes include deep fried bacalhau cakes, bacalhau fried rice, stir fried cage with bacalhau. I must say this is one of the best Macau foods that you must try.

Dessert is also featured. "Serradura" is the item that can not be missed.

Local Favorites and Snacks

Street foods can be extremely delicious, unique and rich in local Macau taste. Some of the local signature dishes are the 'must-try' items, though they are usually found on the streets. Two of the Macanese snacks, Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns are highly favored by Hong Kong people. Some shops even have customers lining up just for a pork chop bun. You can smell the fragrance while walking on the street. Another exceptionally renovated local snack is ginger milk. Milk being controlled to a certain temperature being poured into ginger juice will cause the milk to curdle. It has to be made to order making it extremely fresh and silky smooth.

Avenida de Almeida Robeiro, Rua da Felicidade, Travessa do Matadouro and Rua do Cunha in Taipa Village are the streets to find local snacks. Packed with shops selling Macau's delicacies including almond cakes, egg rolls, peanut candies, roasted beef / pork sheets and many local specialties with so many options to choose from. Some of the snacks are even cooked right in front of you, such as the making of egg rolls, baking of almond cakes and making of peanut candies. Almost all of those shops offer free tasting. Apart from enjoying them yourself, these items are best hand souvenirs for friends.

International Buffet

If you want to taste a bit of everything, buffet is quite an option although it may not include all the best Macau food that you want to eat. But you need to be very careful as buffet restaurants quality varies broadly. One that is most quality guaranteed and reasonably priced is 888 Buffet located within the Vegas style casino Sands.

A Macau walking tour is the best way to explore the place at your own pace. It’s easy to walk, full of fun and covers the gems of Macau sightseeing. You’re going to see from historical landmarks to contemporary Vegas style casinos.

Even you have only half a day, you would be able to do a walking tour and get the best out of Macau sightseeing.

Macau Walking Tour Golden Route

Everything started at Senado Square, with neighborhood Leal Senado, central fountain, Holy House of Mercy and Central Post Office. The route has two parts, both interesting and fun.

Here’s the routing and major points of interest of this 2-hour walking tour which I’ve recently walked through.

• 17:15 – General Post Office
• Senado Square
• Ruins of St. Paul’s
• Mount Fortress
• Walk back to Central Post Office on the same route
• Walk along Av. Almeida to Hotel Lisboa
• Cross the road to Wynn
• 19:15 – Dinner at Star World Hotel

Even if you’re travelling solo, two hours would include setting up of tripod to take photos for yourself and walk in a very leisure pace. The time you spend will largely depend on your walking speed and how you want to explore the points of interest. On the way to Ruins of St. Paul’s there are many souvenir shops offering free tasting. It’s going to be a very interesting walk. Avenida Almeida is the downtown of Macau where you’ll see tourists around you and all kind of shops.

If time permits, I would highly recommend your exploring the following Macau heritages along the way.

Macau Walking Tour – Must See Points of Interest

Ruins of St. Paul’s – The number one Macau landmark, originally St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul, a 17th-century Portuguese cathedral.

Mount Fortress – Built in conjunction with the Jesuits from 1617 to 1626, this was the city’s principal military defence structure, and was crucial in successfully holding off the attempted Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622. A good place to have a panoramic view of Macau.

**Can take lift from Macau Museum as a fast track to Mount Fortress. But you have to pay entrance fee to visit the Macau Museum first.

Macau Walking Tour – Optional Points of Interest

Museum of The Holy House of Mercy – right next to General Post Office at Senado Square. A very classic Portuguese white building built in 1569 on the orders of the Bishop of Macao. Even the building itself is such beautiful place worth visiting. It was a medical clinic and several other social welfare structures in early Macau. It later served as an orphanage and refuge for widows of sailors lost at sea. Entrance fee MOP 5.

Na Tcha Temple and Section of the Old City Walls A small traditional Chinese temple standing in between the Old City Walls and The Ruins of St Paul’s. Built in 1888, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Na Tcha. Spend a few minutes there and get a sense of Macau’s multicultural identity and religious freedom.

Macau Museum – in between the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mount Fortress – must see if you want to know everything about Macau.