A casino is a gambling establishment where people play games of chance or skill for money or other prizes. Customers gamble by placing bets on various events, and the house takes a percentage of winnings (called a rake). Most casinos are built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. Gambling is legal in most states and there are more than 1,000 casinos worldwide. The United States leads the world with the most casinos.
A few places are known specifically for their casinos. Monte Carlo, in Monaco, for example, is a casino and tourist attraction. Then there’s the MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip, a storied gambling den that draws in hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies alike. It has all the usual tables and slots but what really pulls in the crowds are its state-of-the-art sports betting facilities. The Grand’s 60 large plasma TVs invite visitors to flick a few dollars on American football, boxing, martial arts and soccer while sipping drinks and snacks from the bar.
From high-stakes baccarat tables to flamboyant poker rooms, these ten temples of temptation elevate gambling to an art form. These mega-casinos feature opulent furnishings, overflowing bars and top-billed entertainment shows. And while they may all have you licking your lips, you’ll need more than just a bit of luck to come away with a big win.