Casinos are entertainment spaces where games of chance are offered. The origins of casinos can be traced back to ancient China, 200 years before Christ. According to several historians, various dice games and chip games were introduced there. However, modern casinos emerged during the 17th century in Italy.
The first modern casino was founded in 1638, in Venice, Italy. The Il Ridotto casino became a popular venue for the upper classes. There, biribi, baccarat and roulette were played.
Now, during the 20th century, casinos spread all over the world and became a multi-billion dollar industry. Nowadays, casinos are an important tourist attraction, since casinos offer a great number of gambling games, but it is also possible to find there live shows, stores, restaurants and night parties. For this reason, many tourists choose destinations that offer this type of resorts. But which are the most interesting ones?
Las Vegas
For gambling enthusiasts, Las Vegas is the entertainment capital. Some describe it as a huge amusement park for adults. Without a doubt, Las Vegas is one of the top gambling destinations in the world, with a huge variety of casinos and luxury resorts.
Casinos are also a key part of the local economy, attracting around 40 million tourists a year. Consequently, there are a large number of direct and indirect jobs in areas such as hospitality, gastronomy and entertainment, as well as a huge amount of investment in each of these industries.
Some of the most iconic places to visit in Las Vegas are the casinos and resorts such as Caesars Palace or the Venetian and its typical gondolas. In addition, it is also possible to stroll along the famous Strip, marvel at the Bellagio fountains, and see the popular “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, the Eiffel Tower or the gigantic sphinx at the Luxor Hotel, an Egyptian-themed establishment.
The city also has an extensive offer of luxury stores, restaurants, museums, bars and nightclubs, live shows, and sightseeing tours such as visits to the Grand Canyon or Death Valley by helicopter, among others.
For those who cannot visit Las Vegas, there are a lot of online gambling offers with themes linked to this mythical place and also several offers and bonuses for those who are just starting out.
Monte Carlo
The principality of Monaco, one of the smallest countries in Europe, has the Monte Carlo Casino, one of the most famous in the world. The city has often been compared to Macao, China, where it is also possible to find a large entertainment center. In the case of Monte Carlo, it has been part of numerous TV shows, movies and important events such as the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The casino is part of a large tourist complex that includes gambling, a hotel, a theater, a conference center, several restaurants and stores.
Although construction began in 1858, it was only inaugurated in 1863. It was designed by the French architect Charles Garnier, also known for having built the Paris Opera House. Throughout its history it has been visited by royalty, movie stars and world leaders.
This casino is an example of how this type of establishment can be a great attraction for tourists from all over the world. And it can also contribute to improving the image of a city or a country.
The Torrequebrada Casino
The Torrequebrada Casino is very popular in Spain. Its location is one of its most interesting attractions, since from the establishment it is possible to enjoy breathtaking views of the Alboran Sea and the mountain range of the Costa del Sol. It is located in the municipality of Benalmádena, just 12 kilometers from Málaga. Although it is not as old as the Montecarlo casino, it has a rich history. It was inaugurated in 1979, and since then it has established itself as one of the main attractions in southern Spain.
The casino includes two gaming rooms with roulette tables (French and American), poker, blackjack, baccarat and slot machines. It is estimated that the impact on the local economy has been very important in recent years, as it employs more than 500 people directly, and more than 1,500 jobs, if the large number of suppliers and service providers working alongside the casino are taken into account.
The resort has one of the most extensive gastronomic offerings on the Costa del Sol. Each year, around 15,000 dinners are served. The restaurant, Delcasino, is one of the most emblematic in the province of Malaga. Visitors can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine through a wide variety of regional products of the highest quality.
Now, the Spanish model does not only contemplate physical casinos but also virtual casinos. Through appropriate legislation, they now offer a varied offer, both on the Internet and in different parts of the country. Many times, online sites serve as a stimulus to attract more tourists to places of interest, such as the Torrequebrada casino.
Undoubtedly, the casino industry contributes greatly to the tourism sector. Entertainment establishments usually offer, in addition to quality accommodation and gastronomy, a large number of attractive activities for travelers and tourists from all over the world.
