A casino is an establishment that offers a variety of card and gambling games for players to wager money or other items of value. It can also offer entertainment, such as shows or tournaments for its patrons. Some casinos are famous for the games they have available, such as blackjack or roulette. Others are renowned for the opulent atmosphere and décor, such as Monte Carlo.
Modern casinos usually have two security departments – a physical security force that patrols the floor and a specialized surveillance department that uses closed-circuit television to monitor the casino’s activities. These departments cooperate closely to prevent criminal activity and keep all visitors safe.
Gambling has long been a popular form of entertainment throughout history, dating back to Ancient Mesopotamia and beyond. Its popularity rose dramatically during the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was embraced by European upper classes. For example, nineteenth century aristocrats flocked to Monte Carlo’s infamous casino to gamble and socialize.
While the world’s biggest casino might be located in Macau, east Asia’s Vegas, there are other opulent and lavish gambling palaces scattered around the globe. The $3.4 billion temple to excess at MGM Cotai is a jaw-dropping architectural feat, boasting an ambitious art garden with more than 2000 different species and featuring Ancient Chinese artefacts in addition to its cavernous 500,000 square foot gambling space. Other high-end gaming destinations include the Venetian in Las Vegas, where the decor is designed to be reminiscent of Venice’s baroque period.