Gambling is an activity that takes place in many forms and locations around the world. While casinos in Las Vegas or Macau or online casinos are no surprise, there are places in the world where you would never expect to encounter gambling. This article takes you on a journey to some of the strangest and most unexpected places where gambling takes place, from the icy expanses of Antarctica to hidden chambers in world-famous monuments.
1. Antarctica – The Frosty Casino
Let’s start with perhaps the most surprising place: Antarctica. In the icy isolation of the Earth’s southernmost continent, you would hardly expect to find a casino. And yet, in the middle of the eternal ice, there is a form of gambling for researchers and staff at scientific stations. In the common rooms of some stations, you can occasionally find improvised casinos, where card games and small competitions are played for modest stakes. These facilities mainly serve as entertainment and a bond between people who work and live in extreme conditions.
2. The hidden gambling halls of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive structures in human history, hides more than just historical secrets in its depths. In the less visited sections of the wall, resourceful locals have set up small, hidden gambling corners. Although these cannot be compared to the world’s great casinos, they offer travelers and adventure seekers the opportunity to try their luck in one of the most historic places in the world. From simple dice games to card games, you will find a quirky and completely unexpected gaming environment here.
3. The Vatican – Holy Bingo
Although it’s hard to imagine gambling activities taking place at the heart of Catholicism, the Vatican actually has a form of gambling that is enjoyed by both locals and visitors: bingo. Bingo is played at special events and festivals to promote community and sometimes to raise money for charity. These activities are strictly regulated and reflect a sense of community and fun that is very different from the commercial gambling world.
4. Underwater Casinos in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, known for its gorgeous beaches and as a scuba diver’s paradise, gambling finds a very special home in some places: underwater. Some resorts offer underwater casinos, where guests can play slot machines and even blackjack tables in special, waterproof rooms. Surrounded by the fascinating underwater world, this experience offers a unique combination of thrill and natural beauty.
5. Hidden Casinos in Dubai’s Deserts
Dubai may be known for its stunning skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, but official gambling is nowhere to be found here. However, there are reports of hidden casinos operating in the private mansions of the rich and powerful. Accessible only to a very small and select audience and surrounded by the utmost discretion and security, these exclusive and secret gaming venues offer a world of gambling away from the public eye, where high stakes and luxury are the norm.
The world of gambling is diverse and surprising, proving that gambling in its many forms is a universal part of human culture, found even in the most remote and unexpected places in the world.