A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment that offers games of chance for money. Today’s casinos often include other luxurious features such as restaurants, nightclubs and stage shows, but they would not exist without the games of chance themselves. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and other gambling games provide the billions of dollars in profits that casinos bring in every year.
Although the term casino may evoke images of Las Vegas and other glitzy gaming destinations, there are casinos all over the world. Some are small and quaint, while others are huge and spectacular. The history of casinos reflects the cultural and economic background of the countries where they are located.
The most important element of any casino is its security. Staffers keep watch over patrons and games to ensure that all is as it should be. Dealers at card and table games have a focused, narrow view of the tables and can easily spot blatant cheating (palming, marking or switching cards or dice). Pit bosses and managers oversee the larger area around table games to catch any suspicious activity. Security also includes video cameras and electronic systems that supervise the games themselves, allowing casinos to track the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute and quickly discover any statistical deviation from expected results.
Something about gambling attracts people who are willing to cheat, steal and lie in order to make a quick buck. According to a 2005 study by Roper Reports GfK NOP, the typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a family with an above-average income.