A Casino is a gambling establishment where patrons can exchange money for chips to play games of chance, often with an element of skill. Patrons must be of legal age to gamble, and casino operators make a profit by taking a percentage of the money that is exchanged. This is known as the house edge. In the case of card games like poker, the house also takes a percentage of the total pot, which is called the rake.
Casinos are located in cities around the world, and some are quite large. Some of the biggest can be found in Las Vegas, Macau and Monte Carlo. While they may be primarily known for their gaming, some have other attractions that draw in the crowds, including five-star hotels, Michelin star restaurants and top-billed entertainment shows.
One of the most famous casinos is Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which opened in 1960 and is still one of the most popular places to gamble. Its Roman-inspired architecture and celebrity performances, which have included Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Elton John and Dolly Parton, have made it a top attraction for visitors.
Another major casino is the Grand Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal. This massive resort is one of the largest in Europe, and its colossal casino features a two-tier layout for players with an impressive 56 tables and 500 slot machines spread out across 9 sprawling stories. It also has a contemporary art gallery, three restaurants and an impressive three-ring rotating stage for live performance.