Roger Morph 
Where there are big casinos, there’s big money. And that money often gets put into impressive casino buildings. Which wow visitors and bring, well, more money. Whilst gambling and high architecture might not be an obvious crossover, these five incredible casino buildings would beg to differ.
From a boat used as a skybridge across three skyscrapers, to a replica Venetian canal in the middle of the desert, to landmark properties like Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where large-scale design, entertainment spaces, and resort-style amenities showcase how casino architecture can become a destination in itself. Casino operators aren’t afraid to take risks to stand out. These are four of the best, and what you need to know about them.
Bellagio Las Vegas’ Iconic Fountains Still Impress
It would be impossible to write a list of the most impressive casinos in the world without picking one from Las Vegas. The original global gambling hub is home to many impressive buildings, but one stands out.
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The Bellagio Las Vegas is inspired by the European elegance villages of Lake Como, Italy, but built to a grand scale. Its architectural features include:
- The famous Bellagio Fountains
- A huge, intricate blown glass ceiling sculpture in the lobby from famed artist Dale Chihuly
- A 14,000 square foot botanical garden greenhouse – in the desert
- A 500-foot tall main building that is disguised through trick windows and other techniques to make it appear smaller and less imposing
Germany’s Casino Baden Baden Inspired Novels and Movies
Housed in the unique Kurhaus Baden-Baden in the mountain town of the same name in Germany’s Black Forest region, Baden Baden Casino is one of the most lavishly decorated casinos in the world.
The gaming rooms are renowned for their opulent interiors, often compared to French palaces like Versailles. Designed by Friedrich Weinbrenner in the early 1800s, the casino soon became a beloved haunt of European aristocracy.
Add to that spectacular terrace mountain views, historic spas nearby and luxurious casino gaming beyond compare, its easy to see why writers and artistes of the upper class have flocked here for centuries.
That included Fyodor Dostoevsky, who’s book The Gambler was inspired by time spent in Baden Baden.
Today the gambling salons keep their old-world charm. Guests adhere to a strict formal dress code while putting down bets overlooked by historic tapestries and paintings.
Macau’s Morpheus Hotel is Like No Other Building You’ve Seen
As much as no list of amazing casinos is complete without Las Vegas, its biggest rival Macau will also always deserve a shout out.
While not necessarily the biggest or most popular casino in the Chinese gambling enclave, there is no building in the world quite like the Morpheus Hotel and City of Dreams Casino.
Built on a steel diagrid exoskeleton, the building has no load-bearing interior walls – creating a dramatic 40-metre-high atrium area with no visible columns or supports.
Morpheus was designed by the late renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid, who used a similar style of twisting geometry in the main host stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Even by her standards it pushed the envelope of design, with the exoskeleton requiring well over a million components.
Casino de Monte-Carlo is Classic Elegance Defined
From the ultra-modern to the classic. The Casino de Monte Carlo is a jewel of a building, even among one of the world’s most prestigious areas to live in.
The casino was designed Charles Garnier, the celebrated architect of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, in his signature Belle Époque style. Architectural features in this grand but very exclusive casino include:
- Themed gaming rooms such as Salle D’Etoile (Salon of Stars) or Salle Blanche (The White Room) with lavish decorations in intricate detail
- Terraced views of the Mediterranean coast and downtown Monte Carlo
- A grand entrance hall Atrium with 28 marble and onyx columns and several grand chandeliers
A Ship in the Sky For Las Vegas Sands
One of the most unforgettable buildings in the world. When Las Vegas Sands built its flagship Asian casino resort in Singapore, it wanted everyone to know about it.
Marina Bay Sands is a massive three-tower complex, with each connected by a 1120-foot long platform built to resemble a ship. The truly unique building dominates its part of the Singapore skyline – and is also one of the very biggest casinos in the world to boot.
Designed by Moshe Safdie, its viewing platform contains the world’s longest and highest infinity pool as well as half a dozen bars and restaurants offering sweeping views across the city.
