A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. It is often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and cruise ships. It may also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports. In addition, some casinos are built specifically as tourist attractions. In modern usage, the term is almost always used to refer to a large building or room with gambling devices, such as slot machines and table games. The term may also refer to a specialized department within a hotel or resort that oversees the casino’s security, surveillance, and maintenance.
The largest casinos in the world pack a lot of amenities into their swanky halls and sprawling floor plans. Whether it’s a lavish buffet, private jet service, or the chance to win a fortune on a slot machine, many casinos offer perks that are hard to resist.
From the luxury enclaves of Las Vegas and Macau to the illegal pai gow parlors in New York’s Chinatown, there are more than 100 million people who visit casinos each year. These opulent temples of temptation are decked out with opulent furnishings and overflowing bars where gambling is elevated to an art form.
Whether it’s a chance at winning the big jackpot on a slot machine or just watching the ball bobble between black and red on the roulette wheel, these ten casinos have something for everyone.
Las Vegas
The glitzy Las Vegas is famous the world over for its mega-casinos, flashing lights and opulent surroundings. The Strip is home to the most spectacular casino buildings, and some of the biggest hotels on earth. But even with so much competition, the city remains a popular destination for gamblers from all over the world.
Despite the recession, the casinos of Las Vegas continue to thrive. In the past decade, the number of visitors has actually increased by about 3 percent. And with more states legalizing the game, it looks like there will be plenty of places for gambling in the years to come.
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Located in Connecticut, the massive casino at Foxwoods is the second largest in the world. Its 350,000 square feet are packed with 380 tables, 3,400 slots and other gambling machines. And the casino itself is only one part of a massive resort, which includes two golf courses, 38 restaurants and an enclave of exclusive villas complete with butler services.
Ponte 16 Resort Casino
Ponte 16 is the biggest casino in Africa and the ninth-biggest in the world. Its most interesting feature, however, is a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia including the glove that he wore for his first televised moonwalk. The property’s historical architecture reflects Macau’s European and Chinese history, but it’s the location that makes this casino the most attractive.