A casino is an establishment where gamblers can play games of chance. These games can include slot machines, table games (like poker and blackjack), or live dealer action. Most casinos require players to be of legal age and to follow strict rules. Players typically exchange money for chips, which they then use to place bets on various games. Most casinos also have restaurants and bars where patrons can dine and drink.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. The earliest evidence of gaming came from China in 2300 BC, when archeologists discovered wooden blocks used for dice games. Later, Romans and Greeks popularized games of chance with their own version of baccarat, which evolved into modern-day blackjack. Today, there are more than 1,000 casinos in the world, with the highest concentration in cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Unlike gambling houses of old, which were often smoky and seedy, modern casinos are often lavish. They have state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems, and even a few theaters for presenting live entertainment. Some are built near or combined with hotels, resorts, cruise ships, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Others are located on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from some state antigambling laws.

The following 10 casinos are the most decadent places in the world to try your luck at a game of chance. From the ancient elegance of the Casino de Monte-Carlo to the modern opulence of Marina Bay Sands, these temples of temptation are worth checking out.