What Is a Casino?
A casino is a place where people can gamble on games of chance. While musical shows, lighted fountains and elaborate hotels help draw in the crowds, casinos would not exist without the billions of dollars that games like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and baccarat bring in every year.
Gambling probably predates written history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in some archaeological sites. But the modern casino as we know it developed in the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe and Italian aristocrats often held parties in private rooms called ridotti to play their favorite games.
A gambler’s chances of winning at a game are based on luck and skill, as well as the amount he or she is willing to bet. In fact, the odds of a particular game are often printed right on the gambling table or machine. This information helps the player decide how much to bet and when to stop.
Despite the enticing allure of gambling, it is not uncommon for a person to lose more money than they have, even in one day. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Casino employees patrol the floor and watch the crowds to make sure all the rules are followed. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating, such as palming or marking cards. Pit bosses and table managers also monitor the action to make sure players are not stealing chips or colluding on bets.
The fact that casinos are almost always making money means they can afford to give away large sums of free entertainment and hotel stays to frequent patrons, known as comps. This is especially true for high rollers, who are given luxurious suites and personal attention in special gambling rooms. Many casinos also offer reduced-fare transportation, free show tickets and free drinks and cigarettes while gambling.
While most Americans are happy to take a trip to a casino, there is some concern over the effect that casinos have on local communities. Economic studies have shown that a casino decreases spending on other forms of entertainment and can actually lower property values. In addition, gambling addicts often cost the community in terms of lost productivity and treatment costs.
Regardless of how they’re run, the bottom line is that casinos are a form of legalized monopoly where a small percentage of the bets is profited from by the owners of the casino. However, something about gambling seems to encourage people to try to cheat, steal or scam their way into a jackpot instead of simply trying their luck at random. That’s why a huge part of any casino’s budget is spent on security and keeping the bad guys out. A little bit of money in the hands of a lot of people is a recipe for disaster. That’s why the good, honest folks who work at casinos are always on their toes. The good news is that the casino’s security experts are a well-trained and highly motivated group of people.