A casino, or gaming house, is a place where people can gamble on various games of chance. These games may have some element of skill (such as blackjack and Spanish 21), but most rely on luck and are conducted by one or more live dealers. The casino makes money by taking a percentage of the money bet, known as the rake. Casinos are legal in most jurisdictions and have extensive security measures. They are also often a source of controversy, as they may encourage addictive gambling behavior.

From opulent casino hotels to sprawling palatial venues with enough room for thousands of slot machines and tables, these are the world’s most decadent places to throw down your chips and see what fate—or fortune—awaits you.

Casinos make use of sophisticated technology to monitor player activity, with cameras watching every aspect of the action from the gambling floor and above. This is in addition to the regular policing of players and staff by uniformed personnel. In addition to cameras, casinos employ a number of other technology tools in their surveillance systems, including video feeds from the roulette wheels and other games.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for wealthy Europeans 150 years ago, drawing royalty and aristocracy from across the continent. Today, its elegant casinos remain a popular destination for visitors from around the world.