A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide range of gambling activities. It is a popular entertainment venue and is often found in hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and other public places. Casinos offer a variety of games, including roulette, blackjack and poker. Some casinos also have sports books and other betting options. In the United States, 40 states have legalized casino gambling.
Gambling has been around for millennia, with the first known occurrence of dice in 2300 BC China. Later, playing cards came into use, and the modern-day game of blackjack was invented in the early 1600s. Modern casinos offer more than just gambling, however, with opulent suites and spas complementing the tables and slot machines.
Some places are almost defined by their casinos, with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas being particularly well-known. But there are many other luxury casinos, from Italy’s Lake Lugano-based Casino di Campione to the colossal Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, a site that cost $8 billion when it opened.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a destination for nineteenth century aristocrats, but nowadays it attracts more high-flying accountants and lawyers than royalty. Its casino is one of the most lavishly outfitted on this list, with red-and-gold poker rooms and a host of roulette and blackjack tables. The new kid on the block in this casino category, Marina Bay Sands, is a glittering tower of luxury on the Singapore skyline, with 56 gaming tables and over 500 slots across nine floors.