A casino is a gambling establishment that accepts wagers on games of chance. Its games are usually governed by state law, and some casinos also offer table games.
The World’s Best Casinos
Throughout the world, casinos have become popular tourist destinations and sources of employment and income. Several countries have legalized casinos, including France, Britain, and the United States. Typically, casinos have a variety of slot machines and video poker machines that generate revenue.
Some of the most famous and expensive casinos in the world are based in Europe. These include the Hippodrome Casino in London, which opened in 1900 and was repurposed as a performance center for many years.
Baden-Baden, Germany’s elegant spa town in the Black Forest region, boasts one of the most extravagantly outfitted casinos on this list. Its red-and-gold poker rooms, blackjack and roulette tables, and over 130 slots are all part of an opulent, lavish environment that appeals to both tourists and locals.
Security
Modern casinos are extremely secure, relying on a combination of physical security force and specialized surveillance personnel to ensure the safety of patrons and their belongings. The physical security force patrols the casino floor and responds to calls for help and reports of suspicious activity. They also operate a closed circuit television system, known as the “eye in the sky,” that allows them to see everything happening at the casino’s gaming tables and slot machines.
The security personnel also keep an eye on each individual player, watching for blatant cheating and making sure they don’t lose money by stealing from other players or shady betting patterns. They also track the activities of dealers and pit bosses.
Gambling is often regulated by state laws in most places, and many countries also have a ban on certain forms of gambling. The most popular games in casinos are roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, although some other card and table games may be offered, especially in American casinos.
Casinos are also known for their spectacular entertainment, with shows performed on stage and at a bar, and for the extravagant inducements that some offer to their top bettors. These can include free transportation, luxury living quarters, reduced-fare hotel rooms, and a host of other benefits.
Other casino attractions include restaurants, lounges, and bars that offer complimentary drinks or alcoholic beverages to their guests. These are not available at all casinos, but they can be a major draw for visitors.
In the most expensive and luxurious casinos, such as those at Monte-Carlo, Monaco, and the Grand Lisboa in Macau, there are high-end restaurants with world-class cuisines and extensive wine selections. Some of these restaurants even offer private dining spaces to accommodate special occasions, such as weddings and corporate events.
A few of the more popular casino games in Asia are fan-tan, pai-gow, and sic bo. Occasionally other games of interest are also offered, such as two-up in Australia and banca francesa in Portugal.