Travel Picks: Top 10 hang-outs for high rollers

SYDNEY, July 22 (Reuters Life!) - If you are feeling a bit
flush after the tax return, have enjoyed a windfall or are just
a keen gambler, then a visit to one of world's top gaming
destinations might be on the cards. For those who enjoy hitting
the tables, rolling the dice or making the most of what you're
dealt online travel company Expedia (www.expedia.com) offers its
top 10 places for splashing the cash. Reuters has not endorsed
this list:

1. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Perched above the Mediterranean and bounded by the French
and Italian coastlines on either side, Monaco provides a
spectacular and luxurious setting for the wealthy and the
wannabees. Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the legendary
Casino de Monte Carlo, this isn't the place for those on a tight
budget. The magnificent Casino hosts the annual European Poker
Tour and was also the scene of several James Bond Films,
including the original "Casino Royale" and "Golden Eye".
2. Paradise Island, Bahamas

Located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, Paradise
Island is best known for its sprawling 'Vegas-by-the-sea'
resort, Atlantis. The resort spans seven acres along a lagoon,
where guests can soak up the Caribbean sun and choose from a
variety of outdoor gaming areas. When in need of a break from
the tables, guests can enjoy the private beach or one of the
resort's 20 sunlit pools.
3. Melbourne, Australia

As Australia's sporting and entertainment capital, Melbourne
offers the perfect option for high rollers looking for a local
break. Aussies need look no further than Crown Casino on the
southern bank of the Yarra River, which is one of the largest
casino complexes in the southern hemisphere. The main gambling
floor stretches more than half a kilometre and the casino was
the first to introduce the new game Rapid Roulette, which allows
players to place bets on a personal electronic touch screen
connected to a central roulette wheel.
4. Macau, China

Known as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient,' and the gambling
capital of Asia, Macau now rivals Monaco and Las Vegas as one of
the premier gambling destinations in the world. With no less
than 33 casinos, in addition to local horse and greyhound racing
venues, Macau is perfect for the betting junkie. The Wynn Macau
casino is a standout, highlighted by 24-carat gold 'Tree of
Prosperity' at the entrance, extravagant water displays and Moon
Jellyfish Aquarium at reception.
5. Baden-Baden, Germany

Situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and on
the banks of the Oos River, Baden-Baden is not your typical
casino town. However, in addition to its hot springs and
picturesque countryside, the town is also known for its
200-year-old 'Spielbank' casino - the oldest of its type in
Germany. With French chateau-style salons rooms named after
historical figures such as Madame Pompadour and Louis XV's
mistress, the quirky casino provides visitors with a very unique
gaming experience.
6. Las Vegas, United States

With over 1700 licensed casinos in operation, Las Vegas
offers the ultimate package for travellers who fancy a flutter.
A visit to the famous 'Strip' is a must for any player, whether
they're looking for a spin on the roulette table or a game of
blackjack - this city has it all. The iconic Caesar's Palace
hotel and casino offers 129,000 square feet of casino space plus
an endless smorgasbord of entertainment, shopping and fine
dining options, including Cleopatra's barge, a floating lounge
perfect for a relaxing drink after a jam-packed night on the
casino floor.
7. Manila, The Philippines

With a favourable exchange rate, Manila provides great value
for Aussies wanting to live the high-life overseas. The city
offers a range of shopping and entertainment options, along with
a world-class casino at the Hyatt Hotel. Spread across three
levels, the sparkling casino offers the newest in gaming
facilities for both hotel guests and visitors, and is just a
short distance from Manila's tourist hub.
8. Sun City, South Africa

Known as 'Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure,' this luxury resort
and casino complex, just two hours from Johannesburg, boasts two
large casinos, two 18-hole golf courses and a wildlife reserve.
At the extravagant yet picturesque Palace of the Lost City,
guests are treated to stunning valley views from the guestrooms,
along with exclusive access to the Grand Pool. The nearby Sun
City Casino is the entertainment Mecca of the resort, featuring
a myriad of gaming options as well as an indoor jungle of native
foliage and water fountains.
9. Atlantic City, United States

Regarded as the US's 'Las Vegas of the East', Atlantic City
in New Jersey is renowned for its gambling, shopping and fine
dining. Towering above the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the
Trump Taj Mahal casino is an icon of the city, with an on-site
shopping district and an abundance of restaurants and bars. The
157,000 square-foot casino is also hard to miss, with 3,500 slot
machines and 200 table games. Unveiled in 1990 by a number of
celebrities, including the late Michael Jackson, the casino is
the second-largest in Atlantic City and well worth a visit.
10. Genting Highlands, Malaysia

Nestled on the Titiwangsa mountain range, just an hour's
drive from Kuala Lumpur and 6,000 feet above sea level, the
Resorts World Genting offers 360-degree views of the surrounding
countryside. This spectacular resort has first-class
accommodation, dining and entertainment, while avoiding the
hustle and bustle of a capital city. The on-site casino, which
covers 200,000 square feet, is Malaysia's sole gaming venue and
is divided into separate themed areas, such as Hollywood and
Monte Carlo, for the ultimate gambling experience.

(Edited by Paul Casciato)