When you think of going to a casino, you don’t typically expect to ride a cable car into the clouds, place a bet beneath the desert surface, or stroll into a real Renaissance palace. And if someone told you that you could take a safari tour after spinning the slots or gambling inside an architectural masterpiece, you’d probably think these experiences were reserved for the elite.

However, in certain parts of the world, they are an everyday reality for gambling enthusiasts. These casino destinations welcome everyone to enjoy a full-blown travel experience with surreal or improbable settings that beckon guests to explore the surroundings as much as the gaming floor.

The common thread between all these locations? The way they turn a night of gambling into a journey worth boarding a plane for. If you’re searching for casinos that deliver more than just the classic lights-and-slots formula, we’ve got the perfect list for you.

Desert Cave Hotel Casino (Australia)

Coober Pedy has the potential to win the award for the most unsuspecting place to host a casino ever. Located 846 kilometers north of Adelaide, this remote outback destination is best known for its underground dugout accommodation, opal mining, and stunning desert scenery. Because the town experiences such hot temperatures, the Desert Cave Hotel was built much like other dwellings—underground. It’s the world’s only underground hotel, featuring an intimate gaming room with several slot machines. Beyond the casino, guests are spoiled with dozens of local attractions in Coober Pedy and the broader outback, including the spectacular Painted Desert.

Sky Casino Genting (Malaysia)

The Genting SkyCasino in Malaysia certainly lives up to its name. Perched high in the Titiwangsa Mountains, it is the only legal land-based casino in the country. The integrated resort features sprawling two-story gaming floor, one of Asia’s largest selections of games, and is a five-time winner of Malaysia’s Leading Resort award. Blending modern elegance with dramatic natural surroundings, its glass walls and open terraces link the indoor gaming floors with the misty mountains beyond. Most guests ride the Awana SkyWay cable car to get to the resort, making arriving feel like entering another world. Over 3,000 slot machines and 400 table games are available to guests around the clock, complemented by the SkyAvenue Shopping Mall, luxury accommodations, VIP dining, and more.

Okada Manila (Philippines)

Fittingly situated in Entertainment City, the ritzy, multi-billion-dollar Okada Manila resort is designed to impress. Even from its exterior, guests can already get a glimpse of what awaits them inside. The Fountain, equivalent in volume to 50 Olympic-sized pools, is its pride and joy, wowing visitors with a choreographed display of water, light, and sound powered by more than 700 high-power jets.

The curved, golden towers house flamboyant aesthetics and incredible detail applied to everything including the lighting and decor. When guests enter the casino, they’re welcomed to a classy and exclusive environment with a large range of electronic and table games to choose from. The Okada offers even more than the gaming floor, including chic stays and hotel amenities, a dozen dining options, wellness experiences, and a shopping promenade.

Sun City Casinos (South Africa)

The Sun City Resort has that “lost city” feel that invokes curiosity and adventure, with bold, fortress-style architecture and dramatic landscapes framing the structure. As it borders the Pilanesberg National Park, guests can complement their time at Sun City with golf, water, spa, and safari activities. It’s the perfect place for those who want a complete getaway in a unique setting. Sun City is made up of several themed sub-resorts, with two casino areas to choose from: the Sun City Hotel Casino and the Jungle Casino. Gaming is available 24/7, with over 580 combined table games and slot machines, plus free gaming lessons for beginners.

Old Style Saloon No. 10 (USA)

Casino play has origins and ties to the Old West, so it’s no surprise that there are still saloon-style gaming destinations around the U.S. But Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, South Dakota, is particularly special. The original location is famous for being the place where Old West legend Wild Bill Hickok was assassinated during a game of poker in the 1870s. He was holding a final hand of two black aces and eights, which eventually became known as the “Deadman’s Hand.”

The saloon is rowdy and full of life, staging live shootouts, carrying the state’s largest whiskey collection, and offering slots and table games for visitors to test their luck. At the upstairs Deadwood Social Club, guests can enjoy popular dishes like Bison Ravioli and Tuaca Pheasant that capture the spirit of the rugged West. While you won’t get free sweeps coins as you might online, the authentic atmosphere feels like a reward in itself.

Casino di Venezia (Italy)

While the Casino di Venezia isn’t considered one of the “wildest” casinos, it has a history and beautifully preserved quality that makes it significant to the casino world. With a gaming experience set in a 15^th century palazzo on the Grand Canal, guests can expect a highly sophisticated time playing poker, slots, roulette, and baccarat in rooms decorated with period artwork and gilded accents. For those who want to transport themselves into the romance of Renaissance Venice, the Casino di Venezia provides that opportunity. There are also two restaurants on site, including the Wagner Restaurant for traditional Venetian fish specialties and the Marco Polo Restaurant for Mediterranean fare.

Casinos as Destinations Beyond the Game

Gambling can still be the star of the show, but these casinos prove that a memorable gaming experience comes from the setting, design, and unforgettable atmosphere that surrounds the moment. A visit to any one of these destinations lets you play your favorite games, while immersing yourself in sights and surroundings you won’t find anywhere else.