We can all dream of becoming a multi-millionaire from a casino win, but few realise that it has cost more than USD1 billion to build some of the most extravagant casino properties in the world today, all competing with each other to offer glamour, luxury and a fabulous casino experience.
At a time of rapid growth in the online casino business, casino property owners are having to expand their offerings to include much more than ever before. Whilst online sites like 888casino are able to offer a vast range of popular games, plus live dealer games, land-based casinos are fighting to retain their customers. To do this, they now offer a range of entertainments which make them some of the most expensive buildings in the world.
Wynn Palace, Macau (USD1.2 billion)
Macau is the largest and fastest-growing gambling hub in the world. Built in the Cotai district, Wynn Palace is a beautifully designed luxury 5-Star hotel that incorporates beautiful forms and exquisite detailing. The hotel has 1,700 rooms, suites and Garden Villas, a 39,000 square metre casino, 18,580 square metres of luxury retail, and a selection of the best casual and fine dining restaurants, the largest spa in Macau, a spectacular eight-acre Performance Lake, and an indoor theatre to seat 15,000 people. The casino has more than 200 table games and special VIP rooms for high rollers.
Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas (USD3.9 billion)
In Las Vegas, Cosmopolitan beat the budget of other casinos in the city including Bellagio (USD1.6 billion), The Venetian (USD1.7 billion) and Encore (USD2.3 billion). The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, neighbour to the Bellagio, is owned by the Blackstone Group and covers more than nine acres along The Strip. The casino floor has 1,500 slot machines and over 80 table games. This is alongside a convention centre with meeting rooms plus 3,000 hotel rooms for guests.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (USD5.5 billion)
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corp. The casino property is famous for its iconic three towers and a vast rooftop pool covering more than 40 acres. The casino is spread over four floors and has more than 700 table games and 2,500 slot machines. The property also includes 2,500 hotel rooms, 50 restaurants and is home to some of the world’s best retailers. In March 2021, the owners announced that it will allocate some of the capital generated from its sale of the Venetian and Sands Expo and Convention Centre to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The plans are for a fourth tower, including a posh all-suite hotel and a 15,000-seat arena.
Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore (USD5.7 billion)
The cost of land in Singapore is what makes this resort the most expensive, though the building is stunning. Aside from gaming, the resort’s attractions include Universal Studios Singapore, The Maritime Experiential Museum and Marine Life Park and there are a number of 5-star hotels. The casino floor is home to over 2,400 gaming machines and 500 table games and visitors are also able to visit hundreds of top retailers and high-end restaurants. The latest expansions have seen the addition of Super Nintendo World and Minion Park as part of Universal Studios, 1,000 additional hotel rooms and a waterfront complex is due for development.