A casino is a place where gambling takes place, usually in the form of games such as blackjack, roulette and poker. In some countries casinos are operated by government-licensed operators, while in others they are private businesses. Often a casino is combined with hotels, restaurants and/or retail shops or it may be a standalone building. It may also offer other entertainment such as stage shows, concerts and sports. Casinos are usually heavily guarded to prevent theft and other crimes.

Casinos are located in many countries, but the United States has the most, with over 2,147 licensed casinos. It is estimated that the total number of gaming machines in the country exceeds 6 million, while the number of tables is around 400,000. The most popular game is blackjack, followed by roulette and poker. In terms of revenue, the United States is the world’s largest casino market.

The glamorous world of the casino is a feast for the senses, offering opulent decor and decadent drinks. But the real magic of these temples of temptation is in their ability to transform ordinary bets into extraordinary wins. Given the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees can be tempted to cheat and steal—either in collusion or independently. This is why most casinos employ a mix of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. OLBG has selected 10 of the most famous casinos based on their history, reputation and impact.