Do you enjoy gambling once in a while? If so, the ultra glam and usually electric atmosphere of a casino is sure to get you charged for some good fun (or serious?) betting. Here’s an idea — try your luck this

summer at some of the best loved gambling destinations around the world. Lively casinos and a great nightlife are a given.

Here are some of your options: there’s entertainment galore at the mother of all casino cities — Las Vegas. Or if that’s a tad too far, settle for Macau, the mini Vegas that’s about 60km west across from Hong Kong. Closer still is Genting Highlands in Malaysia where you can place your bets at Casino de Genting. And just a stone’s throw away are the casinos of Kathmandu where you can even go casino hopping. And if lady luck decides to smile, you might hit the jackpot. Here’s your chance to turn your vacation into a fully-paid one.

Las Vegas

The Mecca for casino lovers who dream to hit the jackpot, Vegas is also a great destination for tourists who only want to soak in the city’s glitzy surroundings and entertainment/nightlife. A family destination, even the hotels in Vegas have spent minor fortunes to develop stylish indoor amusement rides for children like the famed Race for Atlantis (an IMAX 3D simulator ride in Hotel Caesars Palace). Some of the casino hotspots here are Caesars Palace Las Vegas, the Hard Rock Casino and the casino at the Venetian. From penny slots to high stakes table games in private salons, you have it all.

Hot ticket!

Thomas Cook A two-night and three-day stay at a four star hotel will cost Rs 27,121 per person on twin sharing basis. While the cost excludes airfare, it covers accommodation, a tour to Grand Hoover Dam by coach and airport transfers by coach. The package is valid till September 31st, 2008.

Macau

Known as the mini Las Vegas, Macau is gearing up to give Vegas a run for its slot machines. It’s also the only city within China where gaming is legal. Gambling caught up in Macau when the Chinese government decided to open up the gaming industry to operators outside (international gaming operators like Las Vegas gaming operators) Macau. Today there are 26 legal casinos and gambling facilities in an area called the Cotai Strip. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life. Some of the most popular spots to hit in Macau are The Venetian, Casino Lisboa, Galaxy Rio Casino and Sands Casino.

Hot ticket!

The Venetian If you want to live it up, then a two-night and three-day stay at the Venetian’s Royal Suite will cost you Rs 87,913 for two adults and Rs 67,800 for a child. Cox & Kings A three-night stay in Macau will cost about Rs 15,120 per person, per day (inclusive of airport transfers and breakfast). The return airfare between Delhi and Hong Kong is about Rs 29,800 (inclusive of taxes).

Malaysia

But if you are heading for tried-and-tested Malaysia, then go to Genting Highlands just 45 minutes (and 50km) away from Kuala Lumpur. A charming hilltop city, Genting is also a great family destination with as much to offer children as adults. Casino lovers usually hang out at Casino de Genting, some 6,000 feet above sea level, which is the perfect location for some exciting gaming. Though it is Malaysia’s only gaming spot, Casino de Genting has a variety of themed sections. In the Genting Highland Resort there are other interesting things to check out — theme parks, a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum and shopping malls. You can even take a ride in the world’s fastest —and south east Asia’s longest — cable car called Genting Skyway.

Hot ticket!

Abercrombie and Kent A three night’s accommodation at Hotel Genting on twin sharing basis costs Rs 36,161 per couple in a Junior Suite. The cost includes arrival and departure transfers by private car as well as all taxes applicable, with breakfast for two people.

Nepal

The Himalayan Kingdom, which shares its border with India, has been a popular haunt for Indians for years. And it’s not just for its casinos but the fact that in Nepal the Indian rupee goes very far as it’s much stronger than its Nepalese counterpart. The casino resorts that you can take your pick from include Hotel Yak and Yeti (with its Casino Royale) and Hotel Soaltee Holiday Inn Crown Plaza (Casino Nepal), The Everest Hotel (Casino Everest), Hotel de ’ Annapurna (Casino Anna), Hyatt Regency Kathmandu (Casino Tara) and Radisson Hotel (Casino Rad).

Hot ticket!

Casino Everest Located within the 5-star Hotel Everest, the casino is one of Kathmandu’s biggest within a banquet hall where you can dine or enjoys a few drinks. Tariff for a single person in a superior room is Rs 7,000 per day while two people will pay Rs 7,400. Any meal you have will cost an additional Rs 700 each time (the rates are subject to change).