A casino (also called a gaming house or kasino) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are usually built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are typically owned and operated by private companies. Some are also incorporated as non-profit organizations. In some countries, such as Spain and Germany, casinos are regulated by law.
A few of the world’s largest casinos are so grand and opulent that they can make you forget that you’re gambling at all. These decadent temples of temptation are adorned with opulent furnishings and overflowing bars, elevating the art of gambling to an almost mystical level.
From the opulent decor of the Bellagio to the eerie silence of Caesars Palace’s underground crypt, these behemoth casinos have enough space to rival some cities’ entire downtown districts. They offer everything from high-roller tables to a slew of poker games to a variety of slot machines. And if you’re not a gambler, don’t worry—these resorts have five-star hotel accommodations, Michelin star restaurants, designer shops and top-billed entertainment shows that range from high-flying circus acts to the latest musician concerts topping the Billboard charts.
The large sums of money handled by casinos make them a magnet for cheaters and thieves, who may work either in collusion or independently. Because of this, most casinos are heavily protected by rules, technology and staff to prevent such activity. Security cameras located throughout the casino floor are one basic measure.