A casino, also known as a gambling hall or card room, is an establishment that offers patrons the opportunity to gamble in a variety of games. These casinos are often owned and operated by governments, private businesses, or charitable organizations. Customers may gamble for fun, for cash or merchandise, or simply to socialize with friends. The precise origins of gambling are unclear, but it is known that it has been a part of human culture for millennia.

Modern casino security is typically divided between a physical security 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, while the latter operates the casino’s closed-circuit television system, which is sometimes called “the eye in the sky.” In addition to these technological measures, some casinos enforce security through rules of conduct and behavior, such as requiring players at card games to keep their cards visible at all times.

There are big casinos, and then there are behemoths that could fit inside a small town. These massive entertainment complexes offer more than just gaming – they’re immersive experiences, a chance to rub shoulders with the world’s elite and, of course, some serious jackpots. Here are ten of the most iconic casinos that made an indelible mark on the gaming world.