A casino, also known as a gambling house, is a place where people can gamble. Typically, it is combined with other attractions such as hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and/or entertainment venues. In the United States, casinos are most often found in cities with the largest tourist populations such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Casinos are some of the most profitable businesses in the world, with the best casinos generating billions in revenue each year. They can include various game tables, slot machines and other gambling devices that allow people to win real money by chance or skill. Some casinos even host live events such as concerts and stand-up comedy. The best casinos have top-notch elements that are designed to maximize profits and attract gamblers from around the world.
Most casinos have security forces that patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Some have specialized surveillance departments that operate closed circuit television systems, which are sometimes known as the “eye in the sky” for casinos. Because of the large amounts of currency handled by casino staff and patrons, both parties may be tempted to cheat or steal in collusion or independently.
While there are plenty of famous casinos in the world, only a handful have become synonymous with gambling and tourism. From Monte Carlo to Macau, here are the most iconic casinos that have made an indelible mark on the world of gaming.