Whether it’s a casual game of dice with your buddies, or a high stakes round at the tables, gambling in all its forms has been part of human culture for millennia. The exact origins are a bit fuzzy, but archeologists have found evidence of dice games as early as 2300 BC in China, card-playing made its debut in ancient Rome and, eventually, blackjack emerged as the most popular casino game in the 20th century. Today, casinos are global entertainment hubs that draw hardened gamblers and curious newbies alike with their luxurious glitz and glamorous locations.
The illustrious history of casinos can be traced to a variety of exotic locales, including Venice’s Casino di Venezia, where the word casino originates. The fabled destination has a timeless appeal, and it’s the type of place where you might expect to find high-rollers, celebrities and dispossessed royalty. It’s also the kind of place that a Hollywood movie might be set in, as it was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel, Casino Royale.
In addition to the opulent ambiance, the colossal casino in Macau is home to top-notch poker rooms and sky-high table limits, and has 2000 slot machines that pay out jackpots of more than $2 million. It’s a temple to excess, and is often referred to as Asia’s version of Vegas, with its dazzling lights, eight-acre lake and exclusive fashion stores.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden was a playground for European royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago, and it retains an air of luxury and sophistication today. Its casino is among the most lavishly outfitted, and its opulent design and baroque flourishes are a feast for the eyes. It’s also a popular destination for high-end gaming, with red-and-gold poker rooms and plenty of roulette and blackjack tables.
One of the largest casinos in America, Foxwoods is a sprawling resort that includes 38 restaurants and two golf courses. Its 350,000 square feet of gambling space houses 380 tables and 6,300 slots. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owns and operates the facility, which is also home to a number of exclusive high-end boutiques.
WinStar World Casino is the second biggest casino in the world, though some argue that Venetian Macau takes the title based on actual floor space dedicated to gambling games. This opulent temple to excess opened in 2018 and includes three dozen high-end restaurants, bars and lounges, and is home to the world’s tallest art gallery featuring thousands of ancient Imperial Chinese artworks. The property is also home to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, as well as several retail outlets where you can buy Brighton jewelry, purses and perfume and a selection of Bedre chocolates. This casino is also a popular destination for concerts and special events. Its opulent ambiance, paired with the latest in gambling technology and world-class live entertainment, makes it a must-see destination for any serious gambler. The venue was once the home of Frank Sinatra’s famous Caesars Circus Maximus showroom, where he reportedly got into a fight that led to a gun being pointed at him.