From the glitz of the Las Vegas strip to the illegal pai gow parlors in New York’s Chinatown, casinos come in all shapes and sizes. The world’s best, however, are the most decadent temples of temptation where gambling is elevated to an art form. Here, opulent furnishings and overflowing bars ensure gamblers are never bored with the games on offer.

The renowned Casino de Monte Carlo first opened its doors 150 years ago, and continues to draw royalty and the aristocracy to its elegant walls. Designed by French architect Gobineau de la Bretonnerie, the Belle Epoque grand dame is a sight to behold, with a strict smart casual dress code and hundreds of table games available, including English roulette, blackjack, French roulette, and Punto Banco. It has also starred in two James Bond films, providing the backdrop for the scenes set at the casino in Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye.

In contrast, the Trump Taj Mahal is an experiment in eastern grandeur – think twisted minarets, stone elephants and glistening chandeliers. This opulent casino is home to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill restaurant, as well as Union Mesa, Gran Via Buffet and Vino’s Italian Kitchen. It also boasts a number of retail outlets, such as Le Fleur Boutique where you can purchase Brighton jewelry and purses, perfume, or Bedre chocolates.

The biggest casino in the world is located in Macau, and has a gaming floor that measures a whopping 50,725 m2. You can play anything from poker to table games here, and there are separate rooms for baccarat and Texas Hold’em.