A casino is an entertainment complex primarily known for gambling. Though musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and lavish hotels are a part of the mix, casinos would not exist without the millions of bets placed by people seeking to try their luck at games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno. These games provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year.

In a modern casino, the house edge on most games is small – often less than two percent — but it adds up quickly when you consider that people bet billions each year at these establishments. The profit is made possible by a combination of the casino advantage and a fee charged on bets placed with real money, called vig or rake.

The casino experience has changed significantly in recent years as technology has become more prevalent in the industry. Cameras, for example, can monitor a table for cheating and focus on suspicious patrons; chip tracking systems allow for the monitoring of exact wagers minute-by-minute; and electronic systems track roulette wheels to discover any statistical deviation from expected outcomes.

Some travelers plan their whole trip around a visit to a particular casino, while others may inadvertently find themselves there during a layover or other short stay. These are some of the top travel destinations with exquisite casinos.