The Most Expensive Casino Buildings Ever Constructed

Construction is one of the most expensive endeavors in life, but when it comes to creating casino resorts, there’s never a shortage of funds.

Marina Bay Sands, the world’s most expensive building, cost $5.7 billion to erect. It stands as a landmark on Singapore’s skyline and its lavish design has earned it the title of one of the world’s most prestigious casinos.

1. Marina Bay Sands

Moshe Safdie designed Marina Bay Sands, one of the world’s most iconic integrated resorts. It boasts a casino, hotel, convention center, shopping mall and lotus-inspired art museum.

Las Vegas Sands owns and operates this casino property on Singapore, which cost $8 billion to construct. As a result, it is the world’s most expensive standalone casino property.

In addition to the casino, there is a 2,561-room hotel, 1,300,000-square-foot convention and exhibition center, 800,000 square foot mall, museum, two theatres, 7 celebrity chef restaurants and an ice skating ring.

Three hotel towers are connected by a sky park that provides panoramic views of both city and sea. Additionally, the complex features public sculptures created by internationally-renowned artists.

2. City of Dreams

When designing casino resorts, operators often go all-out with luxurious designs. Some of these projects have cost their parent companies billions of dollars to construct.

City of Dreams, located in Cotai, Macau, was the first casino to open its doors. It boasted three luxurious hotels and numerous premium restaurants as well as an acclaimed nightclub that brought in some renowned international acts.

Melco Crown Entertainment owns this striking casino, boasting 450 gaming tables, 1,513 slot machines and 1400 guest suites.

3. The Antilla

This 24-hour all inclusive resort in Palm Beach, Aruba provides an impressive list of amenities to please even the most discriminating guest. With a spa and massage center as well as a full-service casino, four themed a la carte restaurants, and several bars ranging from traditional to exotic, you’ll never be short on things to do or places to visit.

When searching for an Aruba all inclusive hotel, The Antilla is hands down the top pick. Not only does it boast a modern lobby and four outdoor pools, but its all-suite accommodations are spacious and comfortable – albeit on the pricey side. Plus, each room comes complete with its own minibar and complimentary wireless Internet access – making this hotel even more attractive!

4. The Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is one of the newest casino resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard, having opened in December 2010 and being owned by Blackstone Group, Stonepeak Partners and Cherng Family Trust.

The casino provides a selection of table games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps and Roulette as well as slot machines ranging in denomination from $0.01 to $500.

It is one of the biggest properties on the Las Vegas Strip, boasting over 100,000 square feet of casino floor space. It offers more than 1,300 slots, classic slot machines and video poker machines.

5. The Venetian

The Venetian, an Italian-themed casino on the Las Vegas Strip, is a premier gambling destination. Here you’ll find various games such as roulette, baccarat and blackjack to suit any taste or budget.

Owned by Las Vegas Sands, this resort opened on May 3, 1999 with two towers featuring over 7,000 suites.

In addition to its casino, The Venetian is renowned for its romantic gondola rides down Grand Canal. Other entertainment options include live shows and concerts.

The Venetian also offers Grazie, its loyalty program that rewards frequent players with free meals and other prizes. Members can convert money spent on food, drinks and other purchases into points which can be exchanged for VIP treatment.