A casino is a facility for gambling, and also offers dining, entertainment and other amenities. The best casinos combine high stakes with luxury, offering opulent suites and spas alongside the roulette wheel and blackjack table. From the famous casinos of Las Vegas to those in China and Monaco, read on for our picks of the world’s most exclusive gaming dens.
Modern casinos use technology to enhance security and provide a better experience for their guests. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry enable a casino to monitor their exact usage minute by minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any deviations from expected results. In addition, security personnel patrol casinos and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.
Guests may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion with each other or on their own, which is why most casinos have stringent rules of conduct and behavior for players and employees. The casinos also employ security measures to prevent theft, including cameras located throughout the property.
The first casinos were established in the 1860s, and were operated by private individuals rather than by city governments. By the 1980s, many American states had changed their laws to permit casinos. Today, there are more than 1,000 casinos worldwide, with the majority located in the United States. Casinos can be found in cities and towns of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas to small rural communities. Some, like the famous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, are known for their Roman-themed architecture and star-studded entertainment, while others, such as the palatial Casino Baden-Baden in Germany, are noted for their elegance and sophistication.
