Whether you’re chasing a big jackpot on the slot machines, putting on your best poker face, or throwing dice at a craps table, there are few things that beat the excitement of a casino. These opulent gambling dens also have the added bonus of great food, tasty tipples, and non-gambling activities for guests to enjoy.
The world’s most famous casinos have made their mark by offering the best of everything, from high-end gaming rooms and celebrity residencies to awe-inspiring design and architecture. Here are 10 of the most famous casinos that have made an indelible impression on the world’s gambling landscape.
In the beginning, it was all about the game: the first casino, known as the Casino de Venezia, opened in Italy in 1638 and is still in operation today. It’s the oldest casino in Europe and has a unique location on Venice’s Grand Canals. In addition to the casino, it has a contemporary art gallery and three restaurants.
Casinos are designed to offer a predictable long-term advantage for the house, or “house edge,” and allow players to make short-term gains that can be large enough to keep them coming back. Some games, like blackjack and roulette, have a skill element, which means that skilled players can reduce the house edge by playing strategically. This work is done by professionals who are called gaming mathematicians and analysts.
Modern casinos usually have a dedicated security force and a specialized surveillance department that work together to prevent crime in the building and surrounding area. In addition, a casino’s closed circuit television system is used to monitor activity throughout the facility, so that the security team can act immediately to stop criminal acts in progress.
Caesars Palace is one of the most famous casinos in the world and was featured in the 2001 film Ocean’s 11. It’s a storied gambling den that has a high-end poker room that draws the world’s top players and hosts the World Poker Tour events. It also offers the usual array of game tables and slot machines and has a lively sports betting area with 60 plasma televisions.
The casino at the Bellagio is another of the world’s most famous and has been featured in movies such as the Ocean’s 11 and 21. It features an exquisite outdoor garden, a dazzling fountain display, and a massive casino with sky-high table limits. It also has an impressive roster of live entertainment, having been home to the Las Vegas residencies of entertainers like Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, and Mariah Carey. It’s also hosted numerous fashion shows and has exclusive shopping options. The hotel itself is also luxurious, featuring a spa, restaurants, and other amenities.