Casinos Around the World
A casino is a gambling center that has gaming tables, slot machines and a variety of card games. The thrill of a win at the roulette wheel or the table game of poker is something many people find irresistible and it’s this feeling that draws people to these glamorous venues that are often located in the most beautiful cities around the world.
Casinos usually mix a wide array of entertainment choices, from concerts to dining and shopping. They also enforce rules and regulations, to protect their customers. This is important to maintain a responsible attitude toward gambling.
Many cities around the world are famous for their casinos, some of them being known as “gambling centers.” Some cities like Monte Carlo are almost defined by it. However, there are some places that are a little more subtle and less obvious about the presence of this glamorous and exciting attraction.
In some cases, these venues are hidden within luxurious hotels or resorts, while in other instances, they are stand-alone buildings a short distance away from city centers. The clinking of slot machines and the shuffling of cards are often the only reminders that these casinos exist. While most of them are operated by prestigious companies, some are run by local tribes or authorities and serve as a place for people to gamble responsibly and have a good time.
While Las Vegas is the most well-known destination for gamblers, there are many other gambling meccas around the globe. These include the European city of Baden-Baden, which drew nineteenth century aristocrats with its elegant spa town and exquisitely outfitted casino, now decked out in baroque flourishes and red-and-gold poker rooms. This elegance continues at the swanky Monte Carlo casino, which attracts today’s high-flying accountants, lawyers and CEOs.
Then there’s the dazzling resort at Foxwoods in Connecticut, the second largest casino in America, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. In addition to 38 restaurants and a golf course, the huge complex boasts a vast casino that can fit more than 5000 slot machines. The hotel offers a variety of luxurious suites and villas, while the main casino floor has 380 tables.
Across the ocean in Macau, a former Portuguese colony, glittering mega hotel-casinos are rising like July Fourth fireworks. The city’s top mega resorts are engulfed by skyscrapers that resemble golden quills and cost billions to build, including the gilded and over-the-top Grand Lisboa and City of Dreams.
The third biggest casino in the world is the swanky MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which caters to hardened money spinners and curious newbies. In addition to the usual array of tables and slot machines, this storied gambling den hosts a range of tournaments that draw the pros. It even has a lively area for sports betting, with state-of-the-art facilities that let you flick your coins on American football and other popular games while enjoying drinks and snacks.
