Baden-Baden, Germany – Home to the World’s Most Expensive Casino

Whether it’s slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat or craps, casino games are the basis for billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos each year. While musical shows, glitzy shopping centers and elaborate hotel themes help lure customers, most of the money in casinos comes from gambling.

But while many people consider casinos to be a place where skill is more important than chance, the fact is that most casino games have a mathematical advantage for the house, meaning that on average the house will win. While this is true for all casino games, the extent of the edge varies from game to game.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for wealthy Europeans 150 years ago, drawing royalty and aristocracy from across the continent. Today, it attracts tourists from around the world. The casino here is arguably one of the most lavish in Europe, boasting red and gold poker rooms, and a plethora of blackjack and roulette tables. It has even appeared in several Hollywood productions, including James Bond and Ocean’s Twelve.

Security in a casino begins on the floor, where casino employees keep a close eye on patrons to spot blatant cheating or improbable crooked dealing. Observation also extends to the games themselves, with electronic systems allowing casinos to monitor exact betting amounts minute by minute, and to detect statistical deviations quickly. Video cameras and computer monitors are used to watch the games, as well.