A casino (or gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are combined with resorts, hotels, restaurants, retail shops or other tourist attractions. A casino may also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts and sports.
While the precise origin of casino games is unknown, they have existed in one form or another throughout history. Historians believe that the first casinos were prototypes of modern day gambling establishments and worked as early as the 17th century in places like Venice, Monaco and Singapore.
Over the years, the concept of a casino has evolved from black jack and roulette to a more complete destination experience. As the industry has matured, casinos have sought to lure infrequent gamblers with a variety of non-gambling amenities, including floor shows, free drinks and all-you-can-eat buffets. Today, Las Vegas pushes itself as much as a family-friendly and shopping destination as it does a gambling mecca.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious casino with the latest slot machines and table games or a more traditional gambling hall, these ten temples of temptation offer everything you could want in a casino.
Located in Oklahoma, home to Woody Guthrie and chicken fried steak, Winstar World Casino is often listed as the largest casino in the world. But it only makes the list if you consider the entire compound—with its hotel, retail shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions—a casino. Still, with a gaming floor of over 630,000 square feet, it’s an impressive place to put your luck on the line.