Whether you’re in the mood to play a little or a lot, there is something for everyone at the world’s best casinos. These resorts offer more than just gambling—they offer a complete luxury experience for their patrons. From historic elegance to modern opulence, these casinos have it all.
Casinos are located all over the world, but only a few places are almost defined by them. Monte Carlo, Monaco and Singapore are just a few of the cities that are renowned specifically for their casinos. Casinos are more than just gaming halls, they are cultural centers, and some are even tourist attractions in their own right.
Although the word casino is sometimes used as a synonym for gambling establishment, it originally meant a public hall for music and dancing. In the second half of the 19th century, the term came to be applied to a specific collection of gaming or gambling rooms. The classic example is the one at Monte-Carlo, which first opened in 1863 and soon became a major source of income for Monaco.
In modern times, casino gambling has become much more sophisticated and regulated. The use of advanced technology has been instrumental in establishing a new standard of security and fairness. In addition to general security, video cameras are used to monitor the games themselves. For instance, in “chip tracking” games, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casino to oversee how much is being wagered minute-by-minute and to immediately detect any statistical deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are also electronically monitored to discover any irregularities as they spin.
Another way casinos enforce security is through the enforcement of rules and behavior. The classic rule of casino gambling is that you must keep your hands visible at all times while playing card games, so that the dealer can see them and be sure they are not hiding anything. Similarly, all players must be polite and respectful of the other players at the table.
Beyond enforcing basic security, casinos rely heavily on their entertainment and live performance departments to draw in crowds and generate revenue. Caesars Palace, for instance, is famous for its Circus Maximus show room, where legendary entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Cher have held residencies. More recently, the venue has showcased such luminaries as Elton John, Rod Stewart, Madonna and Bette Midler. Besides live performances, the property also offers its visitors a full range of casino games including blackjack, poker and baccarat.