A casino (also known as a gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos can be found in many cities around the world and are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other attractions. Modern casinos are regulated by law and have security departments that include both physical personnel who patrol the premises, as well as a specialized surveillance department that monitors activity on the casino floor via closed circuit television.
The biggest casinos in the world are sprawling complexes of entertainment that could rival a small town in size. These behemoths feature a dizzying array of gaming options, from traditional table games to state-of-the-art electronic ones. Some of them offer dazzling visual displays, such as the color-changing ‘Tree of Prosperity’ at The Venetian Macau. Others attract visitors with more subtle touches, such as the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, which draws royalty and aristocrats to its casinos.
While Las Vegas is commonly considered the largest casino in America, it doesn’t actually hold that distinction. The real champion is WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The site features a hotel, convention center, and several restaurants, including Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill and Dallas Cowboys Restaurant. You can also shop at the various boutiques, which sell everything from Brighton jewelry and purses to Bedre chocolates and other luxury items. The WinStar convention center can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and includes a Grand Ballroom with audio, video, and lighting capabilities.