A casino is a place where gamblers risk their money against one another. These establishments are a major source of income for some countries and are often designed to lure visitors in with the promise of winning big. Some casinos feature slot machines, poker rooms, and even top-notch hotels and spas. However, they are not all created equal. Some of the world’s most famous casinos are renowned for their glamour, history, and opulence. The Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Casino de Monte-Carlo are among the most famous casinos in the world, but there are many others that deserve a spot on this list.
Casino is director Martin Scorsese dialing Goodfellas up to 11. It’s an intense movie that features a cast of characters mired in avarice and corruption, including mob boss Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) funneling money out the back door of Tangiers, a fictional casino he all but runs for his mob elders back East. In this world of greed and violence, the only good guys are Ace’s wife Ginger (Sharon Stone) and best friend from back home Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci).
Beneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos are built on a foundation of mathematics designed to slowly bleed their patrons of money. Casinos use a variety of techniques to manipulate their guests’ behavior, including wafting scented oils through their ventilation systems and arranging slot machines in intimate, windowless spaces that make them feel like home. They also rig their machines to reward near-misses, causing players to keep playing and boosting the house’s revenue.