A casino is an establishment for gambling. They feature a variety of games of chance, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker. Some casinos also offer food, drink, and entertainment for their customers. The word “casino” is derived from the Italian word for pleasure, and many modern-day casinos are designed to combine gambling operations with other activities that are considered enjoyable.
The casinos on our list all have something unique to offer. Some are ancient and opulent, while others are sleek and modern. Some are built near other attractions, such as hotels or resorts, while others are standalone facilities.
Regardless of their differences, these casinos all have one thing in common: they are a lot of fun. They are filled with flashing lights and glitzy decor, and they are always crowded. Many of them are located in cities and towns with a reputation for overindulgence, such as Las Vegas, Monaco, or Macau.
Casinos are often staffed with security personnel to prevent cheating or stealing. Floor staff keep an eye on patrons and can easily spot blatant scams, such as palming, marking cards or dice, or attempting to switch chips. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the entire casino, watching for suspicious betting patterns that could indicate cheating or collusion among players.
Elaborate surveillance systems include cameras in the ceiling that provide a high-tech “eye in the sky” view of the entire casino. These can be adjusted to focus on specific patrons by security workers in a separate room full of banks of monitors.