What Is a Casino?
A casino is a place where people gamble on games of chance. Games may be purely random, like slots and blackjack, or involve some skill, such as video poker and baccarat. Casinos generate billions in profits each year. They can also be entertainment complexes, complete with hotels, restaurants, shops and live performances. They usually feature a bright and gaudy color scheme and are designed to stimulate and cheer up patrons. The majority of casino profits are generated by gambling, although other activities, such as retail and dining, also contribute to the bottom line.
Modern casinos are multi-faceted amusement parks for adults that include gaming options, musical shows and lighted fountains. They can be themed to specific cities or even historical periods. A few have swimming pools, spas and shopping areas to help keep non-gamblers happy. While these amenities draw in customers, casinos would not exist without the large amounts of money deposited and won by players through games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other games provide the gambling revenue that makes up the bulk of a casino’s profits.
Despite their glamorous image, casinos are run by people and are susceptible to the same problems as any other business. Various forms of cheating and stealing by patrons and staff members, either in collusion or independently, are common. Security cameras are a vital part of casino security, and many have an eye-in-the-sky capability to monitor all areas of the facility simultaneously.
Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved knuckle bones being found in ancient archaeological sites. However, the modern casino as a gathering place for all kinds of gambling under one roof did not appear until the 16th century, when the casino craze spread from Europe. Italian aristocrats created small private clubs, called ridotti, where they could gamble away their riches [Source: Schwartz].
Aside from the obvious security needs of casino owners, the facilities are also designed to encourage and reward large gamblers with free goods and services known as comps. These can include hotel rooms, free meals and show tickets. In addition, most casinos have clubs similar to airline frequent-flyer programs where gamblers swipe their cards before each game to receive points that can be redeemed for free slot play or other goods and services.
While the mob once ran many of the largest casino chains in the United States, corporate real estate investors and hotel companies soon realized that they could run their own casinos without mob interference. With tight security and the threat of losing a casino license over even the slightest hint of mafia involvement, mobster casinos have become a thing of the past. The casinos of today are more upscale with more high-end gambling options and a greater emphasis on customer service and entertainment.
A casino is a place where people gamble on games of chance. Games may be purely random, like slots and blackjack, or involve some skill, such as video poker and baccarat. Casinos generate billions in profits each year. They can also be entertainment complexes, complete with hotels, restaurants, shops and live performances. They usually feature…