The Best Casinos in the World

A casino is a place where you can gamble and play games of chance. Modern casinos often add a variety of extras to help draw in the crowds, such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows, but gambling remains at the core of the industry. Slot machines, blackjack, poker and other games of chance are what provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year.

Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive proto-dice and carved knuckle bones found in ancient archaeological sites. The first casino as we know it emerged in the 16th century, during a gambling craze that swept Europe. In those times, wealthy Italian nobles would hold private parties at their homes, known as ridotti, where they could legally enjoy a wide range of gambling activities without fear of the Inquisition.

The modern casino is a complex place that requires sophisticated security measures to keep the money flowing and patrons safe. In addition to cameras, security personnel monitor the games for blatant cheating or stealing by both employees and customers. Casinos also use patterns and routines to spot suspicious behavior. For example, the way a dealer shuffles and deals cards follows certain patterns, and table managers are expected to watch for unusual reactions from players that might indicate cheating.

People travel the world to experience the thrill of a casino, but there are some cities that are especially famous for their casinos. Whether you are looking for class and sophistication, or just the chance to lose some money, these cities will not disappoint.