Gambling Vacation Tips from a Pro

Gambling vacations can take place wherever a destination has a casino (and, well, legalized gambling). Bradley Booth is a high stakes poker champion, known throughout the gambling world as one of the best around. He also is Head of Poker Development and spokesperson for online gaming site GR88. He’s had to travel quite a bit, and in this Q&A, “Yukon” Brad Booth told us about his favorite gambling vacation destination tips, as well as his feelings in regard to mixing gambling with family travel.

Now, here at The Vacation Gals, we’re firm believers in the rejuvenating effects of top girlfriend getaways, the best romantic weekends, and other types of vacations that aren’t only about the kids. Finding time for some adult activities makes family vacations more well-rounded as well. Gambling is an especially popular vacation activity, but it’s best to keep children away from the gaming floor. Where it’s legal, there’s nothing wrong with a little poker or blackjack! Many travelers like to incorporate a trip to the casino as part of their vacation experience. Let’s hear what “Yukon” Brad Booth told us about his favorite gambling vacation destinations.

What are your favorite places to take gambling vacations?

My top five favorite places for gambling vacations are Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Connecticut/Southern New England, Dublin (in Ireland), and cruise ships.

Of your top five gambling destinations, which do you think is also best suited for a family trip (and why)?

Las Vegas really can be a great family destination, as it is set up with free entertainment or the whole family. Where else can you just walk around, and see so many spectacular light shows and events out on the street? Paradise Island, in the Bahamas, is also a fantastic, fun family adventure. From the water slides though the Shark Tank, to the River Rafting Ride, it is all good, clean fun. The casino there is a good size, with something for everyone.

Are vacations centered around gambling becoming more, or less, popular with the current economic recession?

Recessions create great value opportunities, especially in gambling vacation destinations. Cut rate travel packages in top hotels are more common to stimulate business these days, due to the ancillary revenues that are created via shopping, food, alcohol, gambling, and other forms of entertainment. Almost everyone who goes to a gambling location for a vacation will spend a portion of their time in the casino, so by creating these value added offers, more people are willing to find room for a vacation in their budget.

Vegas is really built on the gambling culture. Do you recommend that parents leave their young kids at home with Grandma during a Vegas gambling vacation, or do you see it as amenable to a family travel?

This depends on what they are looking for in a vacation. Sometimes the parents need to rekindle the fire that created the children in the first place, so it their goal is to relight that fire, them leave the kids with Grandma. On the other hand, if they are looking for something that is fun for Mom and Dad and the kids, and you’ve worn out family friendly theme park vacations, then I would highly recommend Las Vegas. Bring Grandma; she can play the slots during the day and babysit the kids in the room at night. It’s win-win!

Well, when it comes to vacations that include trips to a casino, nothing sounds better than “win-win.”  Thanks, “Yukon” Brad.