Summer holidays, seaside getaways, and casino culture are probably more common than you realise.
With Dabbing Out travelling to Brighton Beach for bingo, we were inspired to seek out more great places to play great games.
WATCH: Dabbing Out episode 3: Brighton Bingo
From glamorous European shores to bustling tourist hubs and floating resorts, these seven iconic destinations have seamlessly blended the excitement of travel with the thrill of the bet, creating unforgettable summer getaways.
1. Brighton, UK
Well, of course we had to kick off with Brighton. Our own Charlie Shakespeare said this was his favourite ever episode of Dabbing Out across all three seasons.
“There’s nothing like dabbing numbers and partying under the sunset on Brighton beach,” Charlie said.
The vibrant seaside town of Brighton has a long history of offering entertainment to summer crowds. Its famous pier, a Victorian marvel, has offered everything from arcade games to amusement rides.
Brighton’s pier and surrounding areas have a rich tradition of drawing crowds from far and wide.
When you add a friendly game of bingo to a classic British seaside holiday, what more could you want?
2. Monte Carlo, Monaco
You know it’s glamorous when James Bond has featured there.
For those seeking an air of old-world glamour, Monte Carlo has been the ultimate summer playground since the mid-19th century.
The stunning Casino de Monte-Carlo, opened in 1865, was actually built because of olive oil taxes.
Yes it’s true, the idea of a casino came from Princess Caroline to save the House of Grimaldi from bankruptcy after two towns refused to pay Monaco taxes on olive oil and fruit.
Situated on the French Riviera, the area quickly became a magnet for European royalty and the wealthy elite, blending high-stakes gambling with opera, ballet, and stunning Mediterranean views.
It remains the global standard for sophisticated, luxurious casino tourism.
3. Atlantic City, USA
Las Vegas may be bigger, but if you want a seaside getaway, Atlantic City is the winner.
Once dubbed “America’s Playground,” Atlantic City‘s history as a summer destination dates back to the late 19th century.
The city’s famous boardwalk, the first in the United States, was built to keep sand out of luxury hotels. For decades, it was a resort town known for its lavish entertainment. The game-changing moment came in 1976 when New Jersey voters approved casino gambling to revitalise the city.
This decision transformed Atlantic City into the East Coast’s premier gambling hub, combining seaside fun with the bright lights of casino gaming.
4. Benidorm, Spain
Of course Benidorm had to make the list.
This Spanish tourist hotspot has become a staple of the European summer holiday, particularly for British and Northern European visitors.
The sunny beaches of Benidorm have long been a destination for holidaymakers looking for both sun and entertainment, including bustling bingo halls and small casinos.
Benidorm’s lively nightlife and affordable resorts make it a perfect spot for those who want to mix their beach time with late-night fun and games.
5. Cruises
Yes, ok, this one might be cheating a bit.
But these days cruises have become floating resorts that offer a unique summer gambling experience.
The first cruise ship casinos appeared in the mid-20th century, providing entertainment for travellers on long voyages.
Today, nearly all major cruise lines feature lavish onboard casinos with a full range of table games, bingo, and slots, allowing passengers to enjoy the thrill of betting while sailing to exotic destinations.
The modern cruise ship is a destination in itself, and its casino is a central part of the entertainment.
6. Cannes, France
Though most famous for its international film festival, the city of Cannes has always been a premier summer destination on the French Riviera.
Its history as a resort town dates back to the 19th century, with grand hotels and stunning villas lining the coast. The city’s casinos, such as the famous Casino Barrière Le Croisette, provide a touch of gambling excitement for the jet-set crowd that descends upon Cannes each summer for both its cultural events and its beautiful beaches.
7. Macau, China
Known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” Macau‘s history as a gambling hub traces back to the 16th century when it was a Portuguese colony.
Macau’s gambling industry is the largest in the world, generating over $24 billion in revenue – about seven times larger Las Vegas.
Gambling was officially legalised in the 1850s, but it was in the late 20th and early 21st centuries that it truly exploded. Today, Macau is the world’s largest gambling centre, with its massive casino resorts attracting millions of tourists each year, offering a blend of culture and lavish casino entertainment.
Even if you’re not heading to the beach this summer, check out these casino sites and bring the fun to you:
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