Wow- Tough to come up with objective reasons, but let me try -- very definitely not in order:

1) Monte Carlo- i don't know, i just assumed it's where James Bond played. It's so internationally known

2) Bellagio- for the past several years it has had the reputation (for right or for wrong) as the best casino in Las Vegas. On top of that, the Oceans Eleven remake helped a lot.

3) MGM Grand -- Old school Vegas, the fire is infamous, the current place hosts more "important" fights than anyone else

4) Trump Taj Mahal -- The gold standard of Atlantic City, and A.C. is the second most famous casino town in the U.S.

5) Harrah's -- actually, I would nominate the Harrah's Vegas, but I honestly think that casino is simply a default choice. It's really the Harrah's name that people know.

6) Luxor -- They don't know the name, but it is one of the most famous casino structures in America. Everyone knows Vegas has a pyramid.

7) Sands -- RAT PACK!

8) Desert Inn -- not sure how to explain it, but it's the D.I.

9) Mirage -- Wynn started it all here , right? I mean the first glimpse of the new Vegas? Theme over function.

10) Caesars Palace -- Before Wynn took themes to a new level, caesars set the stage. But they were more into being a Gamblers' Paradise than a theme park.

11) Stardust -- First, as best I understand, they set the Vegas line on sports . So for sports gamblers, this is the place. Second, Wayne Newton plays here, and he's Mr Las Vegas.

12) Binions Horshoe -- the Mecca of REAL gamblers.