The World’s Greatest Casinos

A casino is a facility where people can gamble and enjoy other entertainment. It may be in the form of a large resort or small card room. Casinos are found all over the world. Some of the largest are in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Chicago. Those casinos bring in billions of dollars each year for companies, investors and Native American tribes that own them. State and local governments also reap benefits from tax revenues and jobs created by casinos.

Despite their glamour, casinos are not without problems. Many people cheat, steal and scam to win. This is partly why casinos spend a lot of money, time and effort on security. Modern casino security is often divided between a physical force and a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The latter operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, aka “eye in the sky.”

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was once a playground for royalty and aristocracy from across Europe. Today it attracts an even more diverse clientele that ranges from gastronomic enthusiasts to gambling addicts. Its upscale casino is one of the most spectacular on this list, designed to evoke Versailles and boasting both poker rooms and blackjack tables. The casino was designed by German architect Leopold Löwenstein. The facility is filled with gold and red, and its card rooms are reminiscent of the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau.