Americans Rolling the Dice in '08

Survey Reveals 42 Percent Betting While on Vacation this Year

NEEDHAM, Mass., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor(R), the world's
largest travel community, has announced its gambling survey of more than 1,600
travelers worldwide and the lucky seven gambling destinations, according to
TripAdvisor travelers and editors.
Thirty-six percent of worldwide respondents, and 42 percent of Americans,
plan to go gambling while on vacation in the next 12 months. Seventy-two
percent of respondents, and 80 percent of Americans said they have gambled
while on vacation in their lifetime. Nineteen percent of travelers, and 26
percent of Americans said they have taken a vacation where the primary purpose
for the trip was to gamble. Other Gambling on Vacation Tidbits:

* 44% of respondents said their favorite game at a casino is slots,
followed by Blackjack, and Roulette
* 30% of travelers said they are visiting Las Vegas in the next 12
months, 26% said they visited there in the past 12 months
* 37% of respondents and 49% of Americans have gambled at a Native
American reservation
* 23% of travelers have gone off-shore gambling
* 47% are willing to spend/lose less than $100, 36% between $100-$500,
and 14% between $500-$2,000
* 8% said they will spend more money gambling this year than last
* 17% said they have sat at a gambling table just for the free drinks
* 4% said they have hidden or lied about a vacation gambling loss
* The Bellagio in Las Vegas is the favorite casino, according to
worldwide travelers

TripAdvisor's Lucky 7 Gambling Destinations in the World

1. Smilin' on the Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada
The entertainment capital of the world offers more than 100 casinos, and
is widely regarded as the premier gambling destination in the world.
Featuring renowned casinos such as the Bellagio, MGM Grand, the Mirage,
Mandalay Bay and the Venetian, and combine that with amazing shows, spas,
golf, shopping and food, and Sin City just keeps upping the ante. According
to one TripAdvisor traveler, "As a gambler, this is the place I want to be."
2. Player's Privilege: Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Set upon the Mediterranean, the beautiful Monte-Carlo maintains an image
as the place where well-mannered and well-heeled ladies and gentlemen go to
gamble. Most famous among the city's elegant casinos is the opulent Casino de
Monte-Carlo, where you shouldn't be surprised to see gamblers in tuxedos or
ordering martinis shaken, not stirred. Said a TripAdvisor traveler, "Stay a
while and check out the players and how much money is played - WOW."
3. Luck on the Lake: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If your idea of apres ski, sailing or hiking is gambling, there may not be
a better place in the world than Lake Tahoe. Straddling the Nevada/California
border and less than 50 miles from another gambling mecca, Reno, the city
features the stunning Lake Tahoe, mountains, lush forest and outstanding
casinos on the south shore, such as Harrah's, Harvey's, Horizons and MontBleu.
According to a TripAdvisor traveler, "There are several lively casinos located
just over the state line."
4. Holy Macau: Macau, China
Known to some as the Vegas of the Far East, Macau is home to some of the
biggest and best new casinos in the world. With amazing 16th century
Portuguese architecture throughout the city, and fine cuisine, travelers can
take in remarkable sights and tastes when they are not enjoying the tables at
wonderful casinos such as Hotel Lisboa and the Mandarin Oriental Macau. Said
a TripAdvisor traveler, "If you're into gambling, this is the place."
5. Jersey, a Shore Bet: Atlantic City, New Jersey
This legendary seaside gambling hotspot features world-class gambling
opportunities in fantastic casinos including Harrah's, Bally's, Trump's Taj
Mahal, Caesar's, Wild Wild West and the Borgata, to name a handful. Outside
of the pits, travelers can enjoy their winnings with a stroll and some salt
water taffy along the famous Boardwalk. Stated a TripAdvisor traveler,
"Atlantic City is worth every penny, and then some!"
6. Bettor's Paradise: Paradise Island, Bahamas
One of several gambling gems in the Caribbean, the beautiful Bahamas is
where travelers must decide how to split their time between placing bets and
soaking in the sun. Paradise Island features the world-famous Atlantis resort,
with the largest casino in the Caribbean. In addition, Crystal Palace in
nearby Nassau is perfect for visitors wanting to try their luck and kick back.
According to a TripAdvisor traveler, "Paradise Island is the 'place' for
gambling."
7. Top Billing: Biloxi, Mississippi
One of the most well-known destinations on the gambling-rich Mississippi
coast, Biloxi has been steadily rebuilding since Hurricane Katrina, and the
tables are open. Just a ninety-minute drive to New Orleans, the area also
features wonderful golf, fishing charters, and shows, and the Beau Rivage
Casino, Imperial Palace, Isle of Capri, and Treasure Bay are just a few among
many great gambling venues. Said one TripAdvisor traveler, "Biloxi is up and
running, casino-wise."
"For those willing to roll the dice in 2008, these gambling destinations
are all good bets," said Michele Perry, for TripAdvisor.
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SOURCE TripAdvisor

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