A casino (or gaming house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos feature slot machines and other games of chance, with a few offering card games like blackjack and craps. Some casinos are integrated into hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are regulated by law. Others are privately operated. The first modern casinos appeared in Europe in the second half of the 19th century and are still popular today, with the most famous example being that at Monte Carlo.
The fabled spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, became a playground for the nineteenth century aristocracy, and its elegant casino – considered one of the most beautiful in the world – still attracts royalty and celebrities as well as high-flying accountants and lawyers. But there are many other dazzling temples of decadence around the globe.
Across the ocean in Macau, East Asia’s version of Vegas, the Grand Lisboa towers over the city with its luminous LED dome made up of over a million LED lights. Inside, the casino lives up to its surface decadence with opulent suites and bars, Michelin star restaurants and exclusive fashion stores. There are also plenty of top-billed entertainment shows to enjoy if you’re not a fan of putting your money on the line at the tables and slots.
While you’ll find plenty of excitement at the casino tables, don’t expect to walk away a millionaire. Most casinos have a mathematical advantage over players, known as the house edge. This translates into a percentage of the total amount wagered that is returned to the casino. However, some games have a more positive expected value, such as poker.