A Guide to World Class Casinos

When it comes to visiting world-class casinos, the first place that springs to mind for many people is Las Vegas. But the gambling capital of the world is far from being the only one, and there are a number of incredible facilities dotted around the globe.

The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the vast majority of its entertainment (and profits for its owners) coming from gambling. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps and other games of chance provide the billions of dollars in annual profits that casinos rake in.

A casino is more than just a room full of tables and slot machines though, and the best ones offer plenty to keep gamblers entertained away from their games. Top casinos feature bars, restaurants, hotels, gyms and even art galleries and museums.

Casino is a slang term that has been used to refer to a gambling establishment since the 19th century. The etymology of the word dates back to Italy, and it originally denoted a small clubhouse for Italians where they could meet for social occasions.

In the US, the term casino has taken on a more generic meaning and is now widely used to refer to any type of gaming establishment. Casinos are regulated by state laws and most have to follow certain security standards to protect players. While it is not uncommon for them to employ armed security guards, they also use cameras and other technological measures to monitor activity in their facilities.