The biggest casinos are glitzy, behemoth complexes with enough rooms, tables and slot machines to rival a small town. But it isn’t just size that counts, there are also the high-end amenities, celebrity chefs and star names that can elevate a casino to another level.

In a city defined by excess, the Venetian Macau stands out as an temple to decadence turned up to 11. The second largest casino in the world packs more than 3,000 slots and table games into a cavernous space, while other features include canals with bridges and gondolas, a shopping mall, live entertainment venues and Michelin-starred restaurants.

From the Portuguese Riviera to the heart of Oklahoma, there are a handful of mega-casinos around the globe that offer a taste of high-end gambling. In the past it was Las Vegas that held sway over the top spot, but this year Macau has a stranglehold on the title.

The most popular casino games are based on chance, with some having an element of skill involved as well. Players bet with money that they have or can afford to lose, and the house always has a mathematical advantage over players, which is known as the ‘house edge’. This advantage is even higher for games of skill, such as poker, where the house takes a cut of the winnings called the rake. Despite this, players can still win huge jackpots by playing the right game. It is also possible to gamble from home, with a number of online casinos available.