The Best Casinos in the World

The best casinos in the world combine gaming variety with luxury and entertainment. Some even have their own unique features that set them apart from the competition. These factors make the top casinos in the world appealing to gamblers and non-gamblers alike. A casino’s customer service, gaming options and amenities are all key elements that contribute to its success.

Casinos cater to high rollers, or gamblers who place large bets, often in excess of tens of thousands of dollars. They reward these patrons with “comps,” or free goods and services, such as hotel rooms, dinners, show tickets and limo service.

While comps are a great way to encourage gambling, they can also create problems. Some people become addicted to casino games, and their losses can drain a casino’s profits. In addition, gambling addiction causes a shift in spending away from other forms of entertainment and may result in lost productivity.

In the 1950s, as casino owners looked for ways to draw more gamblers, they teamed up with organized crime members who had plenty of money from their drug dealing, extortion and other illegal rackets. Mob money helped keep Reno and Las Vegas casinos afloat, but federal crackdowns on mafia activities eventually forced the mobsters out of the business. Real estate investors and hotel chains with deep pockets took over, recognizing the potential for huge profits. These casinos grew into the megaresorts that dominate the Las Vegas strip today.