When it comes to casinos, money talks. History is full of tales of wealthy tycoons investing millions to create their very own spot of gambling heaven – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
For as long as people have been betting, casino owners across the globe have pulled out all the stops in a bid to construct the most opulent establishment, with some truly staggering results.
We’ve assembled the current 5 most expensive casinos on the planet for your viewing pleasure and, trust us, some of these have to be seen to be believed. Ready to enter the world of the super wealthy? Good, we’re about to begin…
5. The Venetian Macao ($2.4 billion)
Coming in at number 5 is The Venetian Macao hotel and casino resort in Macau, China. This betting behemoth cost $2.4 billion to build back in 2007 and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why. The Venetian currently boasts the record for being the largest casino in the world with a whopping 10,500,000 square foot of floor space. That’s the same as 105 football stadiums! It’s also currently the seventh largest building in the world by floor area. Good luck not getting lost!
4. Cosmopolitan ($3.9 billion)
Number 4 is the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, an absolute steal at a paltry $3.9 billion in 2010. With a 40,000 sq ft. spa and fitness facility and a 3,200-seat theater, this hotel gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘spare no expense’. In addition, the casino features views of the Las Vegas Strip, so it’s certainly one to look out for when you visit Sin City.
3. Resorts World Sentosa ($5.7 billion)
Next up is the Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. More than just a casino, this 121-acre juggernaut is home to six hotels, three beaches, a shopping centre, bars, restaurants, a Universal Studios theme park and one of the largest aquariums in the world. Phew! So, if you’d ever wondered how many fish $5.7 billion gets you, the answer is 700,000!
2. Marina Bay Sands ($5.7 billion)
Our runner up is the majestic Marina Bay Sands, found on Singapore’s southern bay. This iconic mega structure holds the honour of being the most expensive standalone casino property on the planet, racking up construction costs of $5.7 billion before its grand opening in 2011.The casino is one of the largest in the world and houses a mind-blowing 500 tables and 1600 slot machines! In case that wasn’t enough to keep you out of mischief, the three resort towers are topped with the famous SkyPark and infinity pool, 200m above sea level. Just don’t look down!
1. CityCenter ($8.5 billion)
And the winner is… CityCenter Las Vegas! A worthy winner it is, too, with building costs totalling a dumbfounding $8.5 billion. So, what does that much money get you these days? Situated in prime Las Vegas real estate, CityCenter is the largest privately funded construction project in the history of the United States, with a campus spanning 18,000,000 square feet. Its state-of-the-art casino, Aria, boasts nearly 500 tables and 2000 slot machines, holding every game a slots fan could dream of. Add this to four hotels, dozens of award-winning restaurants and a monster-sized music arena? That $8.5 billion price tag is starting to make sense!
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