Casinos are one of the most popular locations when it comes to leisure activities. This is not a particularity that applies to some regions but is valid almost all over the globe, from the Americas to Europe and Asia.
Casino games have been around for centuries and are not an invention of the modern world. Yet, the entire industry quickly adapted to economic and social changes since its beginning in the 1700s.
In Europe, casinos are often associated with luxury and sophistication. Back in the day, they represented places where high-class societies gathered not only to play card games or roulette but also to find entertainment and socialize.
Even today, most western countries still have fantastic casinos located in architectural wonders that are open to the public for both visiting and playing. A good example is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, a true symbol of the House of Grimaldi, which is now a tourist attraction for those who organize their vacation in the state or nearby.
The Casino World Goes Way Further Than Europe
Casinos are representative not only in Europe but also in the United States and Asian countries. Everybody has heard of Las Vegas, the gambling heaven, where numerous casinos welcome tourists from all parts of the world with extravagant decors, incredible facilities, and entertainment options.
Las Vegas is the number one spot for gambling, nightlife, and entertainment in the US, and it has been featured in countless movies, plays, songs, and other forms of art.
In Asia, casinos are popular too, starting with the new attraction of Singapore: Marina Bay Sands. The resort features incredible architecture and modern and sharp designs inspired by the look of a house of cards. Marina Bay Sand Casino is one of the biggest in the world, as it offers over 2000 slot machines and more than 600 table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Poker.
Casinos and Art Connections
The gambling industry, including casinos, games of chance, and games of skill, from the well-known poker and blackjack to games more familiar to connoisseurs like craps or baccarat, have always been included in many forms of art. There are movies about the casino world and gamblers, books depicting Las Vegas and casino stories, and songs that revolve around the same activities.
The encounters between casino games and the arts do not stop at movies, songs, and books. Art exhibitions depict games of chance, casino atmosphere, and feelings inspired by gambling. Moreover, some casinos in the world display some of the most famous pieces of art in history. Here are some of the best casino art exhibitions that will definitely inspire you:
Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino is one of the most famous places in the industry, located in Atlantic City, US. This year, on the second floor of the Hard Rock Casino, an art exhibition came to life and its primary purpose is to transform the way people perceive casinos.
The exhibition, “Beyond van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.”, uses the works of the famous artist lavishly: displaying them on walls, ceilings, and floors.
Joe Lupo, Hard Rock Casino’s director, expressed his support for changing the industry with the help of art.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Bellagio is one of the most luxurious resorts in Las Vegas, and its casino offers some of the most impressive experiences in the entire world. Besides providing a wide variety of table games, gourmet buffets, and A-list singers shows, Bellagio also displays fine art pieces.
Suppose you wanted to see original works from reputable artists like Picasso or Warhol. In that case, you’ll find beautiful displays of their work and of many other painters at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.
The Emergence of Casino Art and Its Impact
The popularization of casino art can bring numerous advantages to the industry, including shifting the perspective of gambling. Casino games and gambling have always connected deeply with the arts industry, starting with books and movies. Now, casinos can become places associated not only with iconic roulette and blackjack games but also with sophisticated art pieces.
On the other hand, with the gambling industry interconnecting with such a diverse range of interests, new platforms looking to provide gambling services must keep up with the increasingly high competition. And that is precisely what emerging operators in the online industry have done. They have used technology to their advantage and have come up with a variety of products for their clients, from VR casinos to live casino games experiences.
Sources: Parry, W. (2022). “Beyond buffets and slots: Casinos double down on fine art.” apnews.com. https://apnews.com/article/travel-museums-casinos-29479be2686bb187c0955997ca77ecd
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