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.

About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 30 million monthly visitors* across ten popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R), airfarewatchdog.com(TM), bookingbuddy.com (TM), cruisecritic.com(TM), holidaywatchdog.com(TM), independenttraveler.com(TM), seatguru.com(R), smartertravel.com(TM), travel-library.com(TM) and travelpod.com(TM). TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 25 million monthly visitors*, six million registered members and 15 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 300,000+ hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/), the U.K. (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/), Ireland (http://www.tripadvisor.ie/), France (http://www.tripadvisor.fr/), Germany (http://www.tripadvisor.de/), Italy (http://www.tripadvisor.it/), and Spain (http://www.tripadvisor.es/). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. .

TripAdvisor, SeatGuru, Travel-Library, Holiday Watchdog and TravelPod are either registered trademarks or trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Airfarewatchdog, Booking Buddy and Smarter Travel are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Smarter Travel Media LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Cruise Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or registered trademarks of The Independent Traveler, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix, Digital Calculator Report, July 2007

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor