When Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, there soon followed a boom in casino building which focused more on quantity than quality. The emphasis was on opening as many new casinos as possible in order to meet the needs of the State's growing population.
With time, emphasis began to shift toward quality as one stunning casino after another was erected with the hope of becoming the darling of the state's gambling capital, Las Vegas.
The need to impress has expanded across the globe, with each institution aiming to outdo the next with ambitious design and world-class facilities.
Here are five casinos where you can get your game on and your design fix.
Casine de Monte Carlo, Monaco
In the mid-1850s, the ruling Grimaldi family of Monaco were facing financial ruin after the towns of Roquebrune and Mentron declared their independence from the state and ceased paying taxes to the crown.
In desperate need of new revenue, the family looked to Princess Caroline who imagined a luxurious casino resort which would attract Europe's wealthiest.
Princess Caroline's vision was realized in 1862, when the Casino de Monte-Carlo opened with phenomenal success, earning more than four million Francs in its first year. The stunning English-hospice style architecture appealed to the casino's elite clientele, attracting wealthy visitors from around the globe.
In the 150-plus years since its opening, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has become one of the most famous casinos in the world, with features in several prominent movies, including James Bond.
Resorts World, Catskills
Opened in February 2018 by Empire Resorts group, this impressive casino and hotel complex is among the largest on the East Coast. Sparing no expense, this property aims to impress with an eye-catching, reflective exterior design that stands out on the horizon. The casino also features a staggering 100,000 square feet of gaming space.
Due to the casino's impressive facade and state-of-the-art facilities, it has found itself in extreme financial difficulty – accumulating $400 million in debts, nearly thrusting them into bankruptcy. Experts speculate that the decline in popularity of the fantastic, IRL casino experience is a result of the increasing popularity of online casinos which are more convenient for many gamers. With vast improvements in digital technology and gaming graphics, players don't have to leave their living room to immerse themselves in an authentic casino experience.
While land-based casinos provide the classic atmosphere with live dealers and cocktail service, online sites tend to have a wider selection of games which are getting better, faster and more realistic all the time. To find out why millions of casino gamers are heading online to play poker, roulette and slot games, head to an industry-leading online casino.Wynn Casino, Las Vegas
As the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas has a certain prestige that draws tourists from all over. Enter the four-star Wynn resort on Las Vegas Boulevard. It's entrance immediately draws the eye, flush with colorful parasols that welcome visitors into lush, exotic gardens.
Inside, you'll experience all the classic hallmarks of a Las Vegas casino – dazzling lights, emphatic architecture, vibrant chandeliers and sparkling flower petals adorning the walls. Change is also a theme here; look for the spectacular garden feature which is regularly updated to create wow factor.
There's something for everyone at Wynn Casino. Slot machines attracts tourists and casual gamblers, while table games and poker tournaments offer an opportunity for celebrity sightings.
Park Hyatt, Mendoza, Argentina
Not many would consider Argentina a casino powerhouse, but it's home to one of the most visually-stunning casinos in the world, the Park-Hyatt in Mendoza. The building's façade features a renovated, yet expertly-understated, 19th century Spanish colonial style with surrounding outdoor seating areas. Inside, no detail is spared to exude luxury and extravagance. Ornate marble features are surrounded by fine-art.
Perhaps the biggest draw for visitors to the casino is the amenities they'll find here. Staff at the Park-Hyatt will happily organize tours and trips for guests that allow them to explore the steep hills of the Mendoza vineyards. If you'd rather stay close, consider a wine tasting experience at the casino to cap off a day of gambling (and hopefully winning!)
The Bellagio, Las Vegas
No luxe casino roundup would be complete without The Bellagio, monument of decadence and host of world-class games – this property is a standout among the best.
Rooms here are decked in gold and feature massive, swooping ceilings. With several high-profile appearances in television and film – including Ocean's Twelve – The Bellagio has managed to attract a famous clientele. The Bellagio is the place to see and be seen; it's where big-spending regulars go to bankroll their fun.
You'll find a huge collection of table games here including blackjack, roulette and three card poker, and if you're looking for a more private space to play your hand, check out one of the casino's high-limit lounges.
Whether you're headed toward the ever-lasting lights of Las Vegas, or you fancy a far-flung adventure to South America, you won't go wrong at any of the casinos featured here. Each one is sure to bring a unique experience from the moment you enter.
