A casino (or gambling house) is a building or room in which people can play certain types of gambling games. The term is also used for establishments that offer other forms of entertainment, such as concerts and shows. Casinos can be found in many cities around the world and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, and retail shopping.

Some casinos have catwalks on the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, at the players at the tables and slots. A small percentage of these buildings are open to the public, while most are operated by government-owned corporations, private owners, or tribal entities.

Despite its small land mass, Macau holds seven of the world’s ten largest casinos. The Venetian Macao on the Cotai Strip is a $2.4 billion temple to excess that rivals the Vegas it was modeled after in terms of sheer scale. It offers a quasi-Venetian canal system, a faux lagoon city, and an absurd amount of slot machines.

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is another storied casino that attracts hardened dollar spinners and curious newcomers alike. It has the usual range of table games and slots, but is most famous for its poker rooms that cater to pros and host World Poker Tour events. The resort also boasts a number of unique visual art displays and immersive experiences, like a rotating ‘Tree of Prosperity’ and a mesmerizing Performance Lake.