In a casino, people play games of chance for money. They might win some and lose some, but they all leave with (hopefully) more money than when they entered. Casinos can be huge buildings in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, or tiny mountain towns where 19th century Wild West buildings house poker tables and slot machines. They might be luxurious and extravagant, or they might be a little more basic.
While some casinos add a lot of luxuries like restaurants, free drinks and stage shows to attract customers, most people think of them as places where gambling is the primary activity. Some states have banned the practice of gaming, but others embrace it and make it their top industry.
Historically, many casinos were illegal and operated by organized crime figures who wanted to take advantage of the seamy reputation of gambling. During the 1950s, mob money flowed into Nevada and other American gambling centers. These mobster investors provided the money needed to expand the facilities and draw more Americans to gamble. They also took full or part ownership of some casinos and influenced the outcomes of some games through extortion and other criminal tactics.
Today, the casino business is much more mainstream and regulated. The average casino has thousands of rooms for players and non-gamers, state-of-the-art restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and pools. Some even have a spa or two and a golf course! OLBG has curated this list of 10 of the world’s most spectacular and unique casinos.
