Beneath the flashing lights and free cocktails, casinos stand on a bedrock of mathematics engineered to slowly drain patrons’ money. According to Forbes Magazine, some casino games have odds as low as one in four.
Before you head to the casino, decide how much you can afford to LOSE and how much you will be happy to WIN. Then stick to that budget.
The Bellagio
As one of the most iconic Vegas properties, The Bellagio is renowned for its opulence. In addition to its luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, the property also features a conservatory, botanical gardens, a twelve-acre lake, and a gallery of fine art. It is located right next door to Caesars Palace and offers easy access to the rest of the strip.
The hotel is also home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Picasso and Le Cirque. In addition, there are a variety of quick-service options and coffee shops. The casino has many different games, including baccarat, roulette, and blackjack.
The fountain shows are a highlight of the property. They occur every 30 minutes in the afternoons and evenings. They are synchronized to music and feature a variety of performances. They are free to watch, though M life members can enter the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art for a small fee. Visitors can enjoy the displays while enjoying drinks and snacks from the cafes surrounding the fountains.
Casino Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden, on a tributary of the Rhine in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest, is known for its thermal springs and opulent casino. It has a long history of welcoming celebrities, from Roman emperors to Hollywood glitterati and Russian authors.
Its decadent heyday in the 18th century gave it a louche cachet that seemed out of place with its respectable resort demeanour – Marlene Dietrich called it “the world’s most beautiful casino”. Today, its gilt chandeliers and Versailles-inspired rooms attract anyone willing to pony up the EUR5 entrance fee (you must be over 21).
The neoclassical Kurhaus complex houses four differently designed casinos, which are open for gambling and dining. It also hosts a range of concerts and operas. You can reach Baden-Baden by train from Freiburg and Karlsruhe, or drive along the scenic Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (“Black Forest High Road”). The town has its own airport and is a popular base for exploring nearby nature reserves and the picturesque villages of the Black Forest.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
The legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo is the swank beating heart of Monaco. Since its inception, it has become the benchmark for gaming and entertainment. Visitors come to play table games such as European Roulette and Baccarat, or try their luck at the slot machines in Salon Renaissance and Salon Touzet.
Founded in 1878 by the Blancs, the casino is housed in an opulent Belle Epoque structure overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its success boosted tourism, bringing the principality out of its economic slump. The casino also became a major source of revenue for Monaco’s government and the Societe des Bains de Mer.
Bonafede explains that when the casino first opened, the sovereign who masterminded its construction — Charles III, for whom it was named ‘Monte-Carlo’ (literally ‘Mountain of Charles’)—forbade his citizens from gambling there. That clause still stands today, but Bonafede doesn’t mind. He says that his job is to make sure that the casino delivers prosperity; not misfortune.
Casino Lisboa
Located in the city’s Parque das Nacoes, Casino Lisboa is a casino where you can enjoy the game of your choice. It has a great variety of casino table games including roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker. You can also try your luck with the slot machines and the dice game fan-tan and dai siu.
When the casino was first green-lighted by the Lisbon mayor, it caused controversy over its location within the city. Initially, the casino was supposed to be built in Parque Mayer, Lisbon’s decadent theater district. However, the mayor changed his mind and opted for the more modern Parque das Nacoes instead. This led to a series of protests by casino workers from the nearby Estoril Casino.