A casino, also known as a gambling house or kasino, is an establishment that allows gamblers to place bets on various events and games of chance. These establishments are often associated with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships and may offer additional amenities such as live entertainment, sports betting and other recreational activities. Many casinos are located in countries with favourable laws regarding gaming. The term casino can also refer to a specific game of chance such as blackjack or poker.

From Monte Carlo to Singapore, these glitzy casinos combine high stakes with high luxury. From opulent suites to spas, these elite gambling dens attract the rich and famous, with some even offering celebrity residencies (Frank Sinatra started his career at Caesar’s Circus Maximus Showroom). But you don’t need to be a high roller to enjoy a casino. Some of these opulent palaces are open to non-gamblers, with the likes of the Venetian Macau’s City of Dreams attracting families and those looking for a more refined alternative to the brasher casinos on the Las Vegas strip.

While the exact origins of gambling are unknown, it is thought that the first casino was built in 1525 in Venice. Its success led to others being established across Europe, where casinos have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. Some of the world’s most famous casinos are found in destinations such as Monaco, Las Vegas and Macau.

The most impressive of these casinos are often designed by renowned architects such as Arquitectonica, Leigh & Orange and the late Zaha Hadid. One such is the stunning Marina Bay Sands, which dominated the skyline of Singapore when it opened in 2010. The casino is a must-visit for all those with a passion for gambling and the high life.

As well as the usual range of table and slot games, most of these opulent casinos also boast a selection of bars and restaurants. This makes them a hub of activity, both for those who love to gamble and those who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere. Some have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one-way glass, on the players at the tables and slots.

In the United States, Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut is probably the best-known casino resort. It has 38 restaurants, two golf courses and an enclave of exclusive villas with private butler service. But it’s the casino that draws the most attention, being the second largest in the world and home to 380 table games and 6300 slot machines. It is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.