Gambling zones in Russia. Where is Monte Carlo - the European capital of gambling? Name of cities where it is allowed to play in casinos
Most people are indifferent to gambling, if not negative. There is an opinion that this is a negative habit, close to addiction, which normal members of society should avoid. But is this really so and what does this “normality” mean?
Any casino is a place that attracts interesting, eccentric and unconventional personalities. By visiting such an establishment you can plunge into the atmosphere of Hollywood films, make a friend for an hour, hit the jackpot or lose a lot of money - it all depends on luck. To indulge in excitement or not is everyone’s personal choice. We have prepared for you a rating of cities with the largest casinos that attract gambling enthusiasts from all over the world.
10. Reno, Nevada, USA
Reno is a town that was the heart of gambling in America until the industry moved to Las Vegas in the 1960s. Reno is still considered a generally accepted alternative to Vegas, separated by 700 km of highway driving.
Reno is home to such well-known casinos as the Atlantis Resort (which has a 1,000-room hotel), the Peppermil Hotel Casino (1,700 rooms), the Grand Sierra and the Bank Club, the largest casino in Nevada.
9. Paris, France
The most romantic city in the world boasts not only a huge number of historical attractions, but also numerous casinos. The most famous establishment is the Aviation club de France, opened back in 1907.
This casino regularly hosts stages of the World Poker Tournament, and its visitors are not only French, but also guests from other countries. Everyone who has been admitted to the Aviation Club is given a special club card, the presence of which is a pass to the group of selected visitors, where a warm, friendly atmosphere reigns.
8. London, England
London is not only home to Big Ben and a city where people love to drink tea, but also a haven for gambling enthusiasts from all over the United Kingdom. It is home to over 30 gambling establishments, most of which are concentrated in the central districts, in close proximity to the main historical attractions.
The most famous is The Hippodrom Casino, which makes sense for all London tourists to visit, even those who are indifferent to gambling, since Boom&Bang cabaret performances and the rest of London's burlesque elite regularly take place here. The Hippodrome Casino is a regular venue for the most prestigious poker tournaments.
7. Singapore, Asia
The city-state of Singapore, in order to attract a flow of tourists, legalized gambling in 2005 at the legislative level, thanks to which it quickly became one of the global centers of the gambling business.
As of last year, Singapore is considered the second largest casino market after the United States, and it regularly ranks among the top five in terms of service quality. If you decide to visit this city, be sure to visit the Casino Resorts Word and Marina Bay Sands.
6. Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and, concurrently, a magnet for all tourists staying in this paradise. In addition to the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean Sea, Nassau can offer visitors a good selection of gambling establishments, the total area of which exceeds 100 km 2 .
Better places are Scheration Nassau Beach Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, the latter notable for its variety of board games (more than 160 types) and an exclusive range of tropical alcoholic cocktails.
5. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is the cradle of European gambling, a small town in a dwarf state in the south of France, where some of the world's first casinos appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.
What could be better than visiting iconic establishments located on the very coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where James Bond himself performed his exploits in Ian Fleming’s unique novels. By the way, the legendary Casino Royale was located in Monte Carlo, and it was in Monte Carlo, according to the literary source, that the English intelligence officer was killed.
4. Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
Atlantic City was literally built around gambling establishments. The first legal casino in the United States was opened here, on May 26, 1978, in Clahfonte Haddon Hall, and today Atlantic City is considered the second center of the gambling industry in terms of the number of casinos after Las Vegas.
The best establishments are Caesars Atlantic, Resorts Casino Hotel and Casino Taj Mahal, owned by the current President of America Donald Trump, where the well-known film “The weather is good on Deribasovskaya, or it’s raining again on Brighton Beach” was filmed. By the way, in the credits for this film you can find gratitude expressed to Trump by the director of the film, Leonid Gaidai.
3. Sydney, Australia
For many Europeans and Americans, a trip to Sydney looks like something incredible; it is too far away.
However, the capital of Australia definitely invites a visit, since it is one of the most beautiful cities on earth and, in addition to many attractions, can offer tourists more than 60 casinos. Worthy of attention are Star Sydney Casino, The Darling and Astral Tower Residence.
2. Macau, China
Gambling is officially prohibited in China, but the state has two administrative regions with different legal regulations. One of them is Hong Kong, the second is Macau, which has the title of Asian Las Vegas for a reason.
There are 35 casinos in Macau - not many, but each of them amazes with its scale and luxury. The establishments receive a huge number of visitors from all over the world and, according to statistics, in terms of total revenue, Macau casinos are ahead of the gambling houses of Vegas and Atlantic City combined. The main source of profit is the local elite; Chinese billionaires love to squander their immense savings in casinos. By the way, like in Vegas establishments, in Macau there is no concept of a dress code, so gambling houses are open to everyone, even such grandees as The Venetian and Galaxy Casino.
1 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The first association that pops up in the minds of most of those who hear the words “gambling” and “casino” is Las Vegas. The heart of the entertainment industry, attracting millions of people, is known throughout the world for its loud parties, luxurious hotels and chic restaurants. It regularly hosts numerous concerts, show programs and various fashion shows that most of us are used to watching on TV.
There are 80 large casinos in Sin City, including Luxor (notable for its stylization of an Egyptian pyramid), Monte-Carlo Casino (one of the tallest casinos in the world), Bellagio (remember that dancing fountain from Hollywood films?), Paris Casino (replica Eiffel Tower) and Excalibur Casino (a huge complex stylized as a medieval castle). By the way, according to astronauts, Las Vegas is the brightest place on planet Earth.
One of the most famous roads in the world is not in Italy, Los Angeles or Paris, although a small portion of all three can be found here on Las Vegas Boulevard. Its bright lights and 24-hour hospitality welcome millions upon millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Even in photographs the boulevard is instantly recognizable. It attracts with the intoxicating brilliance of advertising, the dazzling spectacle of light, and the stunning dancing fountains of neon color. Las Vegas Boulevard is as integral a landmark of the city as the sound of slot machines and the world-famous shows held here.
Las Vegas Boulevard is a place that every visitor to the city wants to visit. It is more often called the Las Vegas Strip - the capital of the gambling business, the epicenter of entertainment shows, nightlife, luxury hotels, restaurants, clubs, shopping centers and all the most interesting things in the city, thanks to which it has become famous all over the world. The 6 km long street includes a number of famous landmarks, from the huge pyramid and skyscrapers of New York to the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. Almost all of the most famous mega-resorts of Las Vegas have anchored on the boulevard: the magnificent Luxor, the famous New York, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, the most legendary and famous casinos. Many of the world's largest hotels are located on Las Vegas Boulevard. Nineteen of the twenty-five largest hotels in the world by number of rooms are built here. In 1973, the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino opened, the largest hotel in the world with 2,084 rooms. For example, the Rossiya Hotel, built in Moscow in 1967, has 3,200 rooms, but the average room is about 1/4 the size of what the MGM Grand Hotel offers its clients.
Walking along the advertising-lit street cannot be compared to any other place in the world. Each luxuriously decorated hotel complex is a ticket to a completely different world. Visitors can travel from an Italian water village to a bustling café along the Parisian waterfront or a medieval castle. And that's not all. The spectacle of Las Vegas Boulevard is difficult to describe, especially if you visit it at night. The famous Boulevard at night is a strip of continuous neon light of advertising signs, glowing in the Nevada desert from evening until dawn. The 6-kilometer strip of the Boulevard is illuminated by tens of thousands of bright neon tubes that sparkle, shimmer, and flicker from dusk to dawn. In June 2010, the parkway was named to the prestigious list of All-American Roads for its beautiful views after dark (This list includes roads with unique features not found elsewhere in the United States and scenic roads that attract tourists ). It is not surprising that this is one of the main attractions of the city, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The history of Las Vegas begins during the era of the conquest of the Wild West. At the end of the 19th century, deposits of precious metals were discovered in Nevada. A railroad was built through the valley and a tent camp was built for passengers to rest during train stops. On May 15, 1905, the city of Las Vegas first appeared on the map of America.
Gambling houses opened at the beginning of the 20th century, but in 1910 they were banned by government order. Las Vegas remained a tiny town until 1931, when gambling was finally legalized here. The rest, as they say, is history. Since then, the city has been firmly associated with the gambling and entertainment industry.
Historically, casinos were not located in the city center. In Las Vegas itself, their activities were prohibited, but were allowed outside the city limits. In 1959, the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign was installed 7.2 kilometers from the official city limits. Now this world-famous place annually attracts tens of millions of tourists from all over the world.
The main attraction of Las Vegas Boulevard is, of course, the casino. The world's most glittering boulevard tempts visitors with the chance to win big and change their future forever. The name of the city is strongly associated with the world capital of gambling. The most expensive and famous casinos are located in this city. Owners of gambling establishments spend enormous amounts of money to create an atmosphere of immersion in a carefree world that brings a person a sense of comfort and pleasure. Casinos are open all year round 24 hours a day. Some of them have up to several thousand gambling machines and several hundred card tables.
Gambling and tourism bring the largest income to the city budget. The city is home to the headquarters of the world's largest gambling companies, Harrah's Entertainment and MGM Mirage. Until recently, Las Vegas held the status of the largest gambling center in the world. But in 2006, the city gave up this place to Macau.
Las Vegas Boulevard stands out for its gambling establishments; it is the heart of the city, its backbone. But to talk about the city solely as the capital of the gambling business at the present time would be wrong. Nevada's largest city has long outgrown its former reputation as a gambling mecca. Believe it or not, Las Vegas has grown up. Gone are the days when the first casinos, cheap eateries, slot machines, and topless shows were all that Sin City had to offer its visitors. Today it is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Even for non-gamblers, this man-made desert oasis tries to please every whim, with nightclubs, luxury spas, top-notch restaurants, luxury jewelry boutiques, numerous entertainment attractions, and even educational museums and nature reserves. Its nightclubs and discos, whose original operating style was borrowed from Los Angeles and New York, now serve as a model for the rest of the country. 
With exciting entertainment and nightlife, Las Vegas Boulevard has earned a reputation as one of the world's top tourist destinations. In 2009, despite the global economic recession, it was visited by 37.5 million tourists - the second most visited city in the world.
The city attracts tourists not only with its luxurious gambling establishments, restaurants, theaters, cinema and concert halls, unusual architecture of buildings, but also with sports facilities. In 2007, the National Basketball Association All-Star Game (an annual game of the strongest active NBA basketball players from the Western and Eastern Conferences) was played in Las Vegas. NASCAR Sprint Cup brought together 165,000 fans of this sport in the city (NASCAR - National Association of Stock Car Racing, the most popular US circuit championship). Las Vegas hosts a large number of professional boxing matches. The city is often called the “Mecca of Boxing,” a title it shares with Madison Square Garden in New York. Many of these fights are held on the main strip of Las Vegas in one of the large hotel entertainment complexes. The Mandalay Bay hotel complex is one of the main contenders for hosting such boxing matches.
The city has excellent museums. The Elvis Presley Museum displays memorabilia of the outstanding singer. Some buildings in Las Vegas hold records, including the Stratosphere Tower - the tallest observation tower in America, built at the Stratosphere hotel-casino.
Since the early 1990s, the Las Vegas strip has become a popular New Year's Eve destination. Many world-famous companies choose the city to conduct various kinds of presentations and advertising campaigns. Of all cities in the United States, Sin City has the highest number of churches per capita. If you love thrills, then you should visit this amazing city.
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In Russia, gambling is prohibited throughout the country, but there are countries where gambling is officially permitted and, of course, brings good income to both casino owners and countries in the form of taxes. If you go there, you can not only spend extra money (if you have any), but also tickle your nerves - sometimes the excitement reaches its peak when playing.
1. USA
There are several huge gambling zones in the United States, the most famous of which is undoubtedly Las Vegas. We can say that the entire city consists of casinos, clubs and other similar establishments - the gambling business forms the basis of the city's economy. People specifically come to Las Vegas from other countries to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of excitement, so if you suddenly have an “extra” tidy sum, then Las Vegas is a great way to spend it.
One of the most famous casinos in this city is the Stratosphere Las Vegas, a hotel-casino located on the Las Vegas Strip. The area of the gambling establishment is 7 thousand m2, and there are games for every taste - cards, roulette, slot machines, and in some halls you can bet on sweepstakes like horse racing that take place throughout the country. By the way, Stratosphere attracts players with reasonable rates compared to most other city casinos: for example, the minimum bet on blackjack here is only five dollars.
Las Vegas is not the only such place in the USA: the American government is well aware that the money that tourists spend in casinos is a good way to replenish the state budget, so investments in the gambling business in this country are actively encouraged by law, and shares of the largest gambling companies are listed on American stock exchanges and attract serious investors.
2. Monaco
When it comes to Monaco - a tiny European country consisting, in general, of just one city - most people will immediately remember the Formula 1 championship held here annually and the casino: the gambling business in Monaco is one of the leading sectors of the country's economy, and, of course, everything is regulated by law.
Casinos in Monaco are considered the most prestigious casinos in the world, thanks, first of all, not even to the service and variety of entertainment provided, but to the clientele. In order to get into one of the establishments - especially the world-famous Monte Carlo - you will have to comply with a certain dress code: suit, shirt and tie for men and evening dress for women. The stakes in Monaco casinos are quite high: with about ten dollars in your pocket, even with great luck you will not be able to hit the jackpot - you will have to stock up on a larger amount. In addition, Monte Carlo is one of the oldest casinos in Europe: the building where it is located is already 120 years old, and it was built specifically for these purposes.
3. Malta
Another small European state where the gambling business is thriving is Malta. Thanks to progressive legislation in the field of regulation of the gambling business, anyone with sufficient funds can open a casino in Malta. The state provides entrepreneurs with the maximum degree of security and confidentiality when doing business in this area, so it is not surprising that there are more than a hundred casinos, slot machine halls, lotteries, bookmakers and betting exchanges located in the country.
In Malta, the laws on the gambling business are clearly regulated: in particular, it is the only country in the world where the types of gambling business are prescribed in the relevant legislation.
The most famous Maltese gambling establishments are the classic “Dragonara Casino”, the more modern and undemanding to the player’s budget and dress code “Oracle Casino”, the luxurious “Casino at Portomaso” and known as the museum “Casino di Venezia”.
Online casinos are extremely popular in Malta: bets are accepted via the Internet, and access to online services of this kind is available throughout the country from anywhere.
4. UK
The passion for gambling is characteristic of almost all British people. People in this country began to play for money several centuries ago - they placed bets on horse races and sports competitions. Relatively small gambling houses appeared in Great Britain a couple of centuries ago and have been successfully operating since then.
And not so long ago, in 2007, Prime Minister Tony Blair proposed opening several huge casinos in London, comparable in scale and luxury to Las Vegas casinos. Initially, it was planned to open 40 such establishments, but as a result, only one so-called “super-casino” appeared in London - the Ritz, which can be found at 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR London.
In other regions of the country there are also huge gambling houses, and in each region there is one giant casino, comparable in area to the above-mentioned “Stratosphere” - eight medium-sized and eight small, the calculation is simple: one casino per 125 thousand people of the country’s population. There are many who want to open their own business here, including foreign investors who are showing interest, despite the huge tax rate - as much as 50% of the casino’s income must go to the state treasury.
British casinos are surprising primarily because they do not give loans: the pedantic British decided that you can only play for cash. If you have spent all the money you had in your wallet, then even if you ask the casino to lend you money or offer real estate, jewelry or some other valuable asset as collateral, you will most likely be refused. Perhaps only in Great Britain does the principle “No money - no game” apply - the peculiarities of the mentality, no less.
5. Gibraltar
In fact, Gibraltar is an overseas territory of Great Britain, but it should be discussed separately: first of all, this area has its own government and legislation (though based largely in the image and likeness of the British one).
Gibraltar is characterized by an extremely low tax rate for gambling enterprises - only one percent of the value of cash turnover, with no more than £425 thousand per year. That is, even if the casino earned more in a year - and this usually happens in Gibraltar - the state does not oblige the enterprise to pay more than the agreed amount, and this applies to both classic “land-based” casinos and virtual ones.
At the same time, the state ensures strict control over each such company - it eliminates the possibility of concealing taxes and provides casino owners with protection and patronage, therefore only companies with an unblemished reputation can obtain a license to open their business in this area.
Like almost everywhere in Europe, online casinos are thriving in Gibraltar: several are among the top ten establishments of this kind in the world - for example, 888.com and Eurogrand Casino, and in regular casinos in Gibraltar, in addition to standard card games and roulette You can also find dice games like craps and sic bo.
6. India
Today, India ranks ninth in the world in terms of gambling revenue: there are more than 200 casinos here, where you can find all types of gambling, although only horse racing and the lottery are officially allowed in the country. However, in 2001, a large casino “Royale” opened in the most beloved state among tourists, Goa: it is based on the Caravel liner and is in no way inferior to other world-famous establishments - both in terms of service and money, which they rotate there.
The Indian government believes that the gambling business is a progressive sector of the economy, which in the future can become one of the main items of the country's budget. Despite the conservatism of the state and the mentality in which the emergence of such establishments in the country until recently seemed impossible, there is a possibility that India will soon delight players with a huge number of different gambling houses. But with the legislation on this issue in India, not everything is going smoothly yet - most of the funds from existing casinos go into the pockets of foreign investors, and this issue has yet to be resolved.
7. Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world, it is included in the list of 50 least developed countries, and more than 80% of the country's population lives below the poverty line. The standard income for most Khmers is $2 a day, with prices for basic necessities comparable to other Asian countries. Oddly enough, this was precisely the reason for the opening of several world-class casinos in Cambodia - there was no other way to attract foreign investment, since the country is not rich in either natural resources or any developed industry.
Unfortunately, there is no control over these investments, and, as in the case of India, most of the proceeds from the activities of gambling houses do not go to the country’s treasury, but into the pockets of casino owners - in this regard, in 2009, the Prime Minister Cambodia's Hun Sen has ordered the closure of all casinos in the country.
As often happens in such cases, some of the establishments were indeed closed, but the other part remained and is thriving: for example, a player can visit the Naga casino - a guest can stay in a comfortable four-star hotel, the prices for rooms are relatively low, and play his fun until the money runs out. And even if they run out, Cambodia is not England, and here they are happy to lend, although sometimes at high interest rates.
8. China
Gambling in China has a rich past - people started playing for money here more than 4 thousand years ago. In the seventh century AD, luxurious gambling houses for the rich and nobility began to appear on the territory of the then empire, and in the 20th century, Chinese casinos gained enormous popularity among foreign players.
In the Chinese province of Macau, considered a “pearl” among Asian gambling centers, almost any gambling-related activity is legally permitted, including various betting shops. In addition, there are about 30 huge casinos operating in China - in most cases, such gambling centers are located in Macau, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Chinese are a gambling people, so even those who for some reason cannot go to large gambling zones treat themselves to the lottery. This may be due to the fact that for centuries China has been dominated by the philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, where the belief in fate and chance is of great importance.
The capital of the gambling world in our time is rightfully considered the American city of Las Vegas in the state of Nevada. And although the first casinos appeared in Europe, it is in Las Vegas that the largest casino in the world is located.
At the beginning of the last century, Las Vegas was not even a full-fledged city. It was an area with a bad reputation, as criminals escaped here, secret marriages took place here, and fist fights to the death took place here. Over time, the first illegal casinos began to appear here. Tired of the unsuccessful struggle, the authorities decided to allow gambling in this territory. From that moment the birth of the great Las Vegas with its luxurious casinos began. The brightest and most colorful city in the world with the most loyal attitude towards all visitors. Only in Las Vegas casinos in most cases there are no dress code rules and you can even come to the casino in jeans. In addition, Las Vegas is famous for its Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio Hotel, as well as regular concerts of famous world stars.
Europe also has its own gambling capital - the city of Monte Carlo. This is a city of aristocrats and millionaires. And the casinos of this city are radically different from the casinos of Las Vegas. A strict dress code, namely tuxedos and evening dresses, a respectable environment, European conservatism and the architecture of the casino buildings in the Renaissance style equated visiting the casino with going out. The largest and oldest casino, Le Casino de Monte Carlo (Place du Casino), is decorated with paintings and sculptures by masters of the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike Las Vegas, where slot machines and blackjack are especially popular, the main game in the Monte Carlo casino remains classic roulette.
Not inferior to Las Vegas in grandeur is the Chinese gambling center Macau, whose annual turnover is no less than Las Vegas. Macau is a port city in China and the only city in the country where casinos are allowed. There are already more than 50 casinos here. And the largest “Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel” is second only to the American Boeing plant in area. This casino has slot machine halls, of which there are 3.4 thousand, 800 gaming tables and even online roulette, as well as many bars, shops and restaurants. A distinctive feature of this city is that prostitution is allowed here.
Interesting cities include the French city of Deauville, which is home to one of the oldest casinos, “Barrière de Deauville,” with a very interesting and mysterious history filled with various legends. The small town itself is the center of social life in France. Coco Chanel, members of the Rothschild family and many other famous people played in the Deauville casino, and Andre Citroen once lost more than $2.5 million here.
According to Forbes magazine, the third most beautiful Australian city in the world is Sydney, which is considered the pearl of Australia. The city is distinguished by its beauty, luxury, originality and comfort. Among the many of which there are a huge number, the entertainment center with a casino (Sydney Harbor Casino), which is located in Darling Harbor next to Pyrmont Bridge, stands out.
The casinos of these cities are considered to be “classics of the genre.” The most famous, luxurious and rich casinos of the Old and New Worlds are the fruits of the labor of many brilliant entrepreneurs, but sometimes they are a happy coincidence, like a gift from windy Fortune.
Baden Baden
It is generally accepted that modern gambling began in Baden-Baden, Germany, in October 1748. It was then that several tavern and hotel owners received the right to conduct gambling in their establishments. And in 1824, the Baden-Baden Gambling House opened - the most famous and most beautiful casino in the Old World. True, it should be noted that at that time a casino was understood as a kind of house of culture, and the gaming halls themselves could only be part of it. And, for example, in Kultur Kasino in Bern there was never a game at all. By the middle of the 19th century, Baden-Baden became a favorite vacation spot for European and Russian nobility. Russian writers become frequent guests of the city - Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, whose losses are legendary here. Residents of Baden-Baden, having learned that you are from Russia, will gasp for a long time and tell you legends about Russian Badeners. They will certainly show you the tree under which the prototype of Dostoevsky’s story “The Gambler” shot himself. True, the same tree will be shown to you in Wiesbaden and Bad Homburg. Nowadays Baden-Baden is called nothing more than “the city of millionaires” or “the summer capital of Europe”. Having become the birthplace of the modern gambling business, even after two centuries it managed to retain its fame as the European gambling capital of the world.
Bad Homburg
The history of Baden-Baden was repeated on a smaller scale in the resort town of Bad Homburg, now a suburb of Frankfurt. In 1843, the second oldest casino in Europe opened here, not without the arrival of the Russian nobility. This city has not gained the same fame as Baden-Baden, but it is worth mentioning for this reason. The casino in Bad Homburg belonged to the Frenchman Maurice Blanc. In 1861, Kaiser Wilhelm banned gambling in Germany, and it was also banned in France at that time. Therefore, leaving his casino, Blanc moved to the Principality of Monaco and went straight to a reception with Crown Prince Charles III. This was the beginning of the great history of Monte Carlo.
Monte Carlo
The Principality of Monaco is a narrow strip of coast about three kilometers long and no more than three hundred meters wide. The country is surrounded on three sides by French territory, and on the fourth by the Mediterranean Sea. For seven centuries, the owners of this very well located territory, the princes of Grimaldi, traded in piracy and robbery. But in the 19th century, the maritime racket ceased to be profitable, and the dynasty was on the verge of ruin. It was during this unkind time for Prince Charles III that Maurice Blanc came to him and said, according to legend, something like this: “What you are doing is childish. Give me a piece of territory on the other side of the bay, and I will build a city there that will rob all of Europe." After some thought, the ruler of Monaco agreed, stipulating as a condition a tenth share of the profits and that the city would be named after him. The deal was completed. Initially, the casino was located in a barn-like room with four gambling tables. Roulette and card games, prohibited by law in many European countries, magnetically attracted rich people from all over the world to Monte Carlo. A few years later, a huge gambling palace and hotel were built in Monte Carlo, a railway line was built, gardens were laid out, and the port was reconstructed. In 1866, by decree of the ruler of Monaco, Charles III, this part of the principality was solemnly renamed Monte Carlo.
For several years, Blanc was the European casino monopolist. By the way, the former Blanc casino in Bad Homburg later received the name “Mother of Monte Carlo”. Currently, the gaming complex in Monaco consists of two buildings. The casino has a huge number of rooms. There are more than forty roulette tables alone. There are halls where everyone is allowed to play, in any clothing, but they close at midnight. Entrance to the night halls is allowed only in tuxedos. Members of European royal houses, Formula 1 champions and Hollywood stars spend their time here. Bets on one baccarat game here sometimes reach $40,000.
Las Vegas
In the middle of a flat, cracked sand basin, surrounded on three sides by mountains, a mirage rises. Tourists approaching Las Vegas for the first time are literally glued to the windows in utter amazement - there, below, are the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge! And only the pilots habitually turn the car around, focusing on the column of light shooting vertically from the Cheops pyramid. The appearance of all this here in the desert is unrealistic, illogical, inexplicable by rational reasons. This is the result of a chain of accidents.
In 1829, a trade caravan heading to Los Angeles lost its way. Under the heavy sun of the red desert, death awaited him and would have waited if the Mexican Rafael Rivera had not been lucky enough to find an oasis with an artesian spring among the sands. Raphael called this place "Fertile Valleys", in Spanish "Las Vegas". In 1864, this territory became the 36th American state - Nevada. And in 1931, Nevada became the first and only state to legalize gambling. This coincided, very conveniently, with the start of construction of a grandiose dam on the Colorado River, 50 km from the Las Vegas railway station. To “organize leisure time” for five thousand workers, several casinos opened in the city. In 1936, after construction was completed, crowds of tourists came to see this gigantic dam and they traveled mainly in their cars along Highway 91. Hotels that received tourists stood along the highway, a little far from the city center. Casinos, on the contrary, were concentrated in the center. This discrepancy first caught the eye of gambling magnate Thomas Hull, and in 1941 he built the luxurious El Rancho hotel-casino next to the highway. From that time on, the rapid transformation of a small section of the highway into the gambling street of the Strip began, and Las Vegas into an American and world gambling center.
“El Rancho” and “Flamingo” began the tradition of building “themed” casino hotels, each of which provided its guests with some kind of living legend - a piece of ancient Rome, Egypt, Paris. The latest new buildings of the late 20th century are simply amazing. Inside the world's most expensive hotel, the Bellagio, there is an 8-acre artificial lake surrounded by poplar trees and "Tuscan" villas. The Mandalay Bay Hotel contains a tropical lagoon complete with beach and surf. And in the “Venice” under construction there will be a copy of St. Mark’s Square and a half-kilometer canal with real gondoliers. This will cost an absolutely astronomical amount - $2,250 million. It’s not surprising, according to experts, the daily profit of the global gambling center is about 15 billion (!) dollars.
So, this is a classic of the genre. But new casinos and luxurious gaming complexes are appearing all over the world: Atlantic City, Macau and other cities will soon claim the title of gaming capitals of the world. However, Fortune can smile on you in numerous casinos and gaming centers in our city, so don’t miss your chance and hit the jackpot.
