A casino is a building where gambling activities take place. It can have a number of added luxuries to help attract patrons, but in essence, it is a place where people play games of chance and, in some cases, skill. The best casinos are lavish and elegant, with a focus on design and quality that can be seen in the opulent suites, restaurants and spas they offer.

Something about gambling (probably the fact that large amounts of money are involved) seems to encourage cheating, stealing and other forms of dishonesty. As a result, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. This may be why the world’s most prestigious casinos – like the Bellagio in Las Vegas and Monaco’s Monte Carlo – are so lavish and exclusive.

While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers help draw people in, a casino really wouldn’t exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games provide the billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos each year.

As disposable income increases across the globe and the travel industry becomes increasingly mainstream, casino operators are stepping up their offerings to compete with each other and attract a global audience. From glitzy Las Vegas casinos to luxurious European casinos like the one in Baden-Baden, the best casinos are as much a destination as they are a place for high-stakes gamblers to try their luck.