The Difference Between European and Asian Casino Culture

When you imagine a casino, you immediately think about something from a movie, probably set in Las Vegas. Sure, thanks to Vegas’s dominance in popular culture and the fact that the majority of movies with gambling themes are set in Vegas, even casinos in Macao look… well, Western (Vegas-like).

The globalisation of gambling culture has become even more rapid with the sudden rise of online casinos (which we’ll discuss).

This, however, doesn’t mean that casinos or casino culture are the same in the West (Europe, mainly) and the East. From betting on different sports and playing different games to casino etiquette, here are a few differences between European and Asian casino cultures you may not have heard about. 

Online casinos are levelling the field

Most of the time, you don’t actually know where an online casino is hosted because the interface, the language, and the games all feel the same. Suppose you play on an English-language platform with familiar slots and card games. In that case, there’s a good chance you’re not thinking about whether it’s based in Malta, Curacao, or somewhere else entirely. That’s the thing – online casinos operate internationally, making them feel more like a universal experience rather than something tied to a specific region. 

A lot of people turn to offshore casinos because of restrictions in their own country. Even in places where gambling is legal, local regulations can make it difficult to find a good platform. In Asia, for example, some governments heavily restrict access to online gambling, leading players to seek out international sites.

A blackjack table in a European online casino is virtually identical to one in an Asian-based platform.

Places like the UK have specific restrictions like GamStop, which is meant to help people self-exclude from gambling. However, offshore casinos make it easier for players to bypass these restrictions. Many non-UK platforms aren’t registered with GamStop, meaning people who want to keep playing can find ways around the system. Expert insights on non-GamStop casinos often highlight how players actively seek these alternatives, thanks to the many benefits such platforms offer players.

Even though games might differ slightly from platform to platform, the core experience is mostly international. A blackjack table in a European online casino is virtually identical to one in an Asian-based platform. Depending on the region, slots might have different themes, but the mechanics stay the same. 

Casino atmosphere and design

European casinos put a lot of effort into looking like something out of a Bond movie (James Bond, not Lawrie Bond) – elegant, historic, and luxurious. You walk into a place like the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and it feels more like a palace than a gambling hall. Chandeliers, high ceilings, and an air of exclusivity make it clear that these places were designed to impress. Also, the buildings themselves are often historic landmarks, adding a sense of tradition.

Asian casinos, on the other hand, are often massive entertainment complexes. You’re not just walking into a palace to gamble – you’re entering a resort, a shopping mall, and a five-star hotel all in one. Take Macau, for example. The casinos there aren’t just big; they’re some of the biggest in the world. The goal isn’t just to get people gambling but to keep them inside for as long as possible, offering everything from high-end shopping to Michelin-starred dining.

European casinos tend to be smaller and more traditional.

Feng shui plays a big role in how casinos are designed in Asia. This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about luck. Everything from where the entrance is placed to the way the gaming tables are arranged follows feng shui principles. Even the colours and decorations aren’t random. Red, for instance, is seen as a lucky colour, so you’ll often see it used in abundance.

European casinos tend to be smaller and more traditional. You won’t find sprawling complexes designed to trap you inside for days at a time. Instead, many are focused more on an old-school, high-end casino experience. The game selection might be similar, but the atmosphere is more about class and history than scale and spectacle. 

Popular games

If you enter a European casino, you’ll likely see poker and roulette tables packed with players. Poker, in particular, has a deep history in European gambling culture, and serious players take strategy very seriously. Conversely, Roulette has that classic “old-world” feel – watching the wheel spin is almost hypnotic, and it’s been a staple of European casinos for centuries. 

Baccarat is the undisputed king of casino games in many Asian gambling hubs. If you’ve never played, it’s a game that moves fast, has a simple premise, and involves minimal decision-making, which is why high rollers love it. In places like Macau, the baccarat tables attract the biggest bets in the casino. The game is so popular that many casinos dedicate entire areas to baccarat players. 

Slot machines are universally popular, but their themes differ depending on where you are.

Mahjong-based gambling is another major cultural staple in some Asian regions. Mahjong isn’t just a game; it’s a part of social life. While the title-based game is usually associated with casual play among friends and family, it’s also taken very seriously when money is involved. It’s particularly common in underground gambling circles in China, but even some regulated casinos offer mahjong gambling rooms. 

Slot machines are universally popular, but their themes differ depending on where you are. European casinos feature machines with themes based on mythology, adventure, or classic slot symbols. In Asia, there’s a heavy emphasis on luck-based symbols, the Chinese zodiac themes, and bright red-and-gold aesthetics. While the mechanics are similar, the cultural influence on the design is clear. 

Betting habits and superstitions

Asian gamblers are serious about their superstitions. It’s not just about playing a game; it’s about ensuring the conditions for good luck are right. Many players refuse to sit at the table if certain numbers are present; some even bring lucky charms. Even the way they handle money at the table follows superstitions – some believe you should never count your winnings while still playing or it’ll bring bad luck. 

Numbers, colours, and gestures influence betting decisions far more in Asia than in Europe. For instance, the number eight is seen as incredibly lucky in many Asian cultures, while four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for “death” in Chinese. Some players will refuse to bet on anything involving the number four, while others will go all in on anything connected to eight.

Some casinos even go as far as to have staff trained to avoid unlucky behaviours, like handing over money in a way that might be considered bad luck. 

European gamblers tend to rely more on strategy and probability rather than superstition. While you’ll still find people with their own rituals (like blowing on dice before rolling in craps) it’s not as deeply ingrained in the culture. Games like poker and blackjack are especially focused on skill and reading opponents, making them less reliant on luck-based rituals.

Asian casinos even accommodate lucky rituals because they know their importance to players. It’s not unusual to see players blowing on dice for good luck or rubbing certain objects before making a bet. Some casinos even go as far as to have staff trained to avoid unlucky behaviours, like handing over money in a way that might be considered bad luck. 

Final words

While online casinos blur some regional differences, traditional gambling cultures in Europe and Asia remain unique. The atmosphere, preferred games, and even how players behave at the tables all reflect more profound cultural traditions. Also, the role of government and regulations creates vastly different experiences for gamblers in each region. Still, they all share the thrill  – whether it’s a high-stakes baccarat game in Macau or a late-night poker session in London.