Ten Temples of Entitlement

A casino is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling. It may also feature other entertainment, such as live music and comedy acts. Generally, casinos have strict rules and regulations for players. They also have highly trained staff to keep security in check. In the United States, more than 30 states have legalized casinos. The most famous is perhaps Las Vegas, with a reputation for glamour and decadence. However, many smaller cities are also well known for their casinos.

Gambling in its many forms has been part of human culture for millennia. Archaeologists have found wooden blocks that were used in games of chance dating back to 2300 BC, while dice first showed up in 500 AD. Cards made their appearance in the 1400s, followed by what has become the most popular of all casino games today: blackjack.

Most modern casinos are huge, with more than 1,000 tables and thousands of slot machines. They are also designed to attract the eye with elaborate decoration and lighting. Some even have catwalks in the ceiling above the tables and slots, allowing surveillance staff to look down on the players through one-way glass.

Many casinos have restaurants and bars that serve drinks and food. Some, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, offer upscale dining and have Hermes or Chanel boutiques. Others have more down home fare, such as Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill and the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Oklahoma. In addition to gaming, most casinos also have retail outlets such as gift shops and cigarette counters.

Casinos are not just for the high rollers; they have a long history of catering to a wide variety of clientele. This includes everything from wealthy European royalty to Hollywood celebrities and high-flying executives. For instance, Caesars Palace opened its doors to the likes of Frank Sinatra in 1968 and is still going strong, hosting such names as Celine Dion, Elton John and Mariah Carey.

The best casinos mix high stakes with high luxury, offering opulent suites and spas alongside the roulette wheel and blackjack table. From Vegas to China and Monaco to Singapore, these ten temples of temptation offer more than just the chance to throw down your chips and see what fate has in store for you.

The Casino (informally called the Monte Carlo) is a major tourist attraction in Monte Carlo City, Monaco. The casino is located in the heart of the city and occupies approximately 40,000 square feet. The Casino is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and the rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology including flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. In addition to the hotel and casino, the Monte Carlo is home to several restaurants, including Le Cirque and The Gordon Ramsay Restaurant. In the casino, guests can play a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. The casino is also home to a poker room that features No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.