Whether you’re into hitting the slots, putting on your best poker face or throwing dice at the craps table, casinos are the ultimate place to satisfy a gambling itch. And even better, most offer great food and tasty sips to boot! Read on to find out more about the world’s biggest casino resorts.
The word ‘casino’ comes from the Italian for little house, and the term was originally used to describe a small country villa used as a private gaming house. Modern casinos, however, are more like mini-palaces, complete with opulent suites and restaurants.
Gambling has been a part of human civilization for millennia, with evidence dating back to 2300 BC in China. Dice games grew in popularity around 800 AD, followed by card games in the 1400s and eventually the first modern casinos in the late 1800s. Today, many countries have legalized gambling in some form, with casinos and other gaming establishments appearing in cities across the globe and on American Indian reservations.
There are many ways to gamble, but the most popular games are slot machines, roulette and baccarat. All have specific rules and strategies that can help you win money at the casino, so it’s important to learn as much as you can about these games before playing them. Casinos have dedicated staff to teach you the ropes and give you pointers, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Casinos are a staple of the Las Vegas strip and there are many to choose from. One of the most famous is the MGM Grand, which has become a landmark on the Strip and boasts over 500 slot machines. But this is no ordinary casino as it also has a lively sports betting area with 60 large plasma TVs where you can flick a few dollars on American football, boxing and soccer.
The MGM Grand is also famous for its poker rooms and is home to several championship tournaments. Its prestigious reputation has seen celebrities like Celine Dion, Elton John and Bette Midler play the tables there. The casino also has a rich history of live entertainment and the Circus Maximus theatre has been the venue for shows by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, Madonna and Cher. Its legacy of glitz and glamour even saw it featured in the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven!
