What Is a Casino?
A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance or skill. There are over 1,000 casinos in the world, from luxurious resorts in Las Vegas to small neighborhood spots where people can try their luck. Casinos are often located in tourist destinations, like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo, or in cities with a large population of people who enjoy gambling, like Macau and Singapore. Most casinos have a number of security measures in place to protect their patrons and property, including cameras, secure entrances, and trained staff. Casinos also have high-end amenities, like restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues, to attract and keep customers.
Despite the glamorous images of glitzy casinos seen in movies and on television, gambling is not necessarily a good thing for a community. In addition to the financial loss to the gambler, casinos divert money from other forms of entertainment and may hurt local property values. Gambling addiction is also a problem, and studies show that compulsive gamblers generate a disproportionate amount of the profits for casinos.
The first casinos developed around the 16th century, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at archaeological sites worldwide [Source: Schwartz]. Unlike Internet gambling, where the player is alone or at least not surrounded by other people, casino gambling involves social interaction. People sit around tables or are surrounded by other players as they play, and there is often noise and excitement. Waiters circulate to bring alcoholic drinks, and the lighting is designed to highlight action and movement. In addition, the casino atmosphere is built around promoting excitement and winning.
Many casinos encourage gamblers to spend more by offering perks known as comps. These include free food, hotel rooms, show tickets, and limo service. Some casinos even have a frequent-traveler program similar to airline miles programs, with gamblers receiving a card that can be swiped at the machines before each game. The computer then tracks each gambler’s usage and spending habits, tallying up points that can be exchanged for additional slot play or for food and drinks.
While casino games are largely based on chance, some do require a certain degree of skill, as in blackjack and poker. In these games, the house edge is calculated by the mathematical odds of a particular hand or game. Casinos reduce the house edge for games of chance to entice gamblers, while retaining it for games that require skill.
The Bellagio in Las Vegas is arguably the most famous casino in the world, but there are several other contenders, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Lisboa, and the Grand Casino Baden-Baden. The Bellagio’s fountain show, luxury accommodations, and location in the heart of the Strip make it a popular choice for visitors. The Bellagio is also featured in many films and television shows.
