The Best Casinos in America

A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment that specializes in certain types of gambling activities. Many casinos are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. Some casinos are known for hosting live entertainment such as stand-up comedy, concerts and sports events. In some cases, casinos are designed to be a destination in and of themselves, with top-billed entertainers, Michelin star restaurants and lavish hotel accommodations.

According to the American Gaming Association, about 51 million people—or one quarter of all Americans over 21—visited a casino in 2007. The biggest casinos are behemoths, sprawling complexes that rival a small town in size. They feature a variety of games and have enough room to accommodate the biggest crowds. They also offer the most luxurious amenities to keep players coming back.

The MGM Grand, located on the Las Vegas Strip, is well-known for its range of gaming tables and slot machines but what keeps it a favorite among regulars is its lively area dedicated to sports betting. With 60 large plasma TV’s, gamblers can flick a few coins on the latest in American football, boxing and martial arts while enjoying drinks and snacks at the bar.

Taking inspiration from the carnival atmosphere of the Brazilian city it takes its name from, this mega casino is a feast for the senses. Featuring a huge number of table games, poker and slot machines, it also has a Salon Prive for high-rollers, a hotel, an arcade gaming center and two restaurants.