A casino is an establishment that allows patrons to wager on various types of games. Typically, casinos offer slot machines, table games and poker rooms, as well as restaurants, bars, entertainment shows, and retail shops. Depending on the jurisdiction, some casinos may also offer sports betting. The term is derived from the Spanish word for “gambling house.”
Casinos are often associated with glamorous, opulent locations and have featured in several books and movies, including Ben Mezrich’s Busting Vegas, which recounted how a team of MIT students beat Las Vegas casinos out of nearly $1 million. Monte Carlo, for example, has been a popular destination for celebrities and high rollers since it opened in 1856. Its storied history even inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Casino Royal.
The glitz and glamour of many casinos have also made them must-visit destinations for tourists and locals alike. For the discerning traveler, these behemoths are much more than just gambling dens, boasting massive indoor space and acres of sprawling grounds that accommodate everything from Michelin star restaurants to top-billed entertainment shows.
If you’re looking for a casino experience that is more refined than its brasher counterparts, look no further than the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany. The resort first rose to prominence as the playground for nineteenth century aristocracy, and its opulent casino oozes charm with its red-and-gold poker rooms and plethora of blackjack and roulette tables. Alternatively, head to Venice, Italy for the oldest casino on our list, the Casino di Venezia. This picturesque site is set on the Grand Canals, with guests arriving via a free water shuttle service or on foot.