A casino is an entertainment establishment that specializes in gambling. It offers various games of chance, such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno. Several games of skill are also available, such as poker and baccarat. The etymology of the word casino is traced to Italy, where it originally referred to a villa or summerhouse. In modern times, casinos have evolved into resorts and feature a wide variety of pleasurable activities.
Aside from gaming, casinos offer prime dining and performance venues for guests. They often reward big spenders with free hotel rooms, food and show tickets, and even airline tickets. The perks are called comps. These are offered to customers who frequently gamble at the same casino. Ask the casino for more information on how to get your comps.
Some of the best casinos in the world are housed in palatial resorts. The sexy, uninhibited Cosmopolitan, for example, boasts its 3,000 rooms and insanely gorgeous views of the Bellagio fountains. It’s also home to a chandelier with 21 miles of crystal beads, a visually stimulating Marquee Nightclub and swank residential-style rooms.
Others are located in exotic destinations like the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, which was once a playground for royalty and aristocrats. The casino here is a stunning Belle Epoque structure with elaborate decor and centuries-old paintings. It’s the stomping ground for tuxedo-clad millionaires who chill out in private salons (or super-private “salons” if they’re higher rollers). It’s a glitzy, glamorous place where gambling is elevated to an art form.