There’s something about the clink of chips and shuffling of cards that rouses our gambling instincts. Whether you’re trying to beat the dealer or win big at blackjack, the thrill of the game is unrivaled by anything else. Some travellers journey the globe specifically to experience new casinos, while others inadvertently end up in one of these opulent temples of temptation by chance.
Modern casinos are colossal complexes that entice the wealthy with five-star hotel rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops. They host events ranging from high-flying circus acts to the latest musicians topping the Billboard charts. Some have even built their own golf courses. These mega-resorts are often designed by award-winning architects and cost billions to build. They can include thousands of slots and tables and awe-inspiring entertainment halls.
Casinos have been around for centuries, in various shapes and forms. The precise origin is unknown, but there’s no doubt that people have always been drawn to games of chance. Gambling in some form has been part of almost every culture throughout history. Some of the earliest known casinos were in Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece and Roman Egypt. Nowadays, the most famous casino is in Las Vegas, but there are many more across the world.