A casino is a gambling establishment that allows patrons to gamble for money. Gambling is a very old activity with records of dice games dating back to 2300 BC in China, while card games and other table games first appeared in Europe in the 1400s. Today casinos are located all over the world, from Las Vegas to Monaco to Macau. They have become major sources of entertainment and generate huge profits for their owners.
There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one player at a time and do not require the presence of live dealers or croupiers. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve one or more players competing against the house (the casino) and are conducted by live croupiers. Random number games, such as roulette and baccarat, are based on the selection of random numbers generated by computerized equipment.
The world’s best casinos combine high-stakes gambling with high luxury, offering opulent suites and fine dining alongside the standard roulette wheel and blackjack table. From the legendary Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to the storied MGM Grand in Sin City, these ten temples of temptation offer a taste of the good life.