A casino is a twinkly, noisy, colorful building where people gamble on games of chance and win large sums of money. Musical shows, lighted fountains, shops and restaurants are all part of the fun, but it is the games that provide the billions in profits casinos bring in every year. Casinos would not exist without games like slots, blackjack, roulette and craps. Learn more about the history of casinos, how they stay safe and the dark side of this gambling business.
Gambling is a time-honored tradition in nearly every culture on the planet. Many ancient societies used to organize lottery-like games that involved throwing dice or rolling bones to determine the winners. In modern times, gambling is legal in most countries and casinos are a popular attraction for vacationers looking to try their luck. While the glamorous images of flashing lights and loud music that are portrayed in movies may be attractive, casinos are also serious businesses that must invest heavily in security.
Modern casinos are much more selective in who they allow to gamble. High rollers, for instance, are often allowed to play in special rooms away from the main floor. These high-stakes gamblers are a big source of profits for casinos and they usually receive comps (free goods or services) that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. These could include free hotel rooms, meals, shows, limo service and airline tickets.
Something about the atmosphere of casinos encourages cheating and stealing, which is why they spend so much time and money on security. Most casinos employ surveillance cameras, security personnel and random checks of patrons as they move about the buildings. In addition, most of the table games are played in a small area and patrons have to face each other, making it easier for security to spot shady behavior.
When a casino was built in 1900, it actually opened as a performing arts center. Over a century later, it is still going strong as one of the world’s largest and most famous casinos. It is located in London and features over 2,000 slot machines, a variety of table games and a theater.
The majority of casino gamblers are middle-class women between the ages of forty and fifty. They have a household income higher than the national average and have a lot of leisure time to gamble with. In addition, these women tend to be more familiar with casino games and have a greater understanding of the game’s rules than men. This is a major factor in why so many women are the primary players in casino gambling.
