A casino is a place where people play gambling games. It is often associated with entertainment, such as in the case of a theater, or with food, such as in a restaurant. It may also be connected with hotels or resorts, or it may stand alone.
In this article, OLBG looks at the 10 most famous casinos in history and how they have shaped our world. We’ll tell you the story behind these iconic places, from their opening dates to their current reputation and impact.
When most Americans hear the word casino, they think of Las Vegas and its dazzling neon lights. But the definition of a casino is actually much more broad, according to Merriam-Webster.
The idea of a casino as a place for social amusements, including gambling, is well established in European history. It is even reflected in the name of the oldest casino in the world: the Casino di Venezia, which opened in 1638 and remains one of Europe’s most romantic and beautiful casinos.
The business of casinos is not without its risks. Casinos can be a magnet for crime, especially in the form of organized gambling rings that funnel mafia funds into the Nevada gaming industry. Moreover, like other businesses in a capitalist society, casinos have to generate profits in order to stay in business. They bring in billions of dollars each year for the corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them. And they contribute millions in taxes and fees to state and local governments, as well.