A casino is a gambling establishment which offers various types of chance-based games. Most casinos also offer live entertainment and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are typically located in towns and cities with considerable populations and serve as the primary source of gambling opportunities in those areas. In many countries, casino gaming is legal only in licensed and regulated venues.
Most casinos have a variety of table and slot machines, with the most popular being blackjack, roulette, and video poker. Some casinos feature other games, such as sic bo (which spread to several European and American casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan, and pai gow. Asian casinos, especially those in Las Vegas, are also beginning to offer more traditional Far Eastern games such as two-up and banca francesa (also known as boule).
Because large amounts of money are handled in a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; therefore, most casinos take extensive security measures. In addition to a physical security force, most casinos have a specialized surveillance department that monitors the gambling floor and other areas through closed circuit television.
Whether decked out with opulent furnishings or overflowing bars, these 10 temples of temptation elevate gambling to an art form. The glitz and glamour of these casinos will have you throwing down your chips in no time.
