If the word casino evokes images of Venice, Monaco and Singapore, it’s no wonder it’s associated with luxury, elegance and elite leisure. OLBG takes a look at 10 of the world’s most famous casinos and how they’ve made their mark on the gambling industry.

In addition to providing a venue for betting on games of chance, casinos serve other purposes, such as tourist attractions and entertainment venues. They are also a popular destination for high-rollers and celebrities, whose large bets generate substantial profits for the casino owners.

Casinos are built around games of chance, and while skill can play a role in some games (like poker), the majority of the money they make is from bets placed on machines, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat and video poker. The mathematical odds of each game give the house a consistent advantage, and casinos take steps to keep their patrons happy and distracted enough to forget about that fact.

For example, free food and drinks help keep gamblers at the tables, while lighted fountains, luxurious decor and special effects create an exotic feel. Moreover, the use of chips turns real cash into an abstraction and makes it easier for security to track.

There’s something about the glitz of casino life that encourages some people to cheat and steal in order to win. This is why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. They employ a variety of security measures, from cameras to a full staff of personnel who monitor and inspect every aspect of the operation.