The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults. Its musical shows, lighted fountains and hotels help draw the crowds, but gambling is what makes them tick – and what provides the billions in profits casinos rake in every year. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and baccarat make up the bulk of the casino business.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archeological evidence suggests that dice were used for gaming in 2300 BC China, and playing cards first appeared around 1400 AD. But the casino, as we know it today, emerged in the nineteenth century. The casino at Monte-Carlo is considered the defining model, and it has inspired casinos worldwide.
Today’s casino focuses on the high rollers, those who wager a great deal of money. These gamblers are favored with comps, or complimentary services, that can include free hotel rooms, show tickets and meals. Some casinos will even give their top players limo service and airline tickets.
Casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Their security systems are state-of-the-art, and include cameras in the ceiling that can focus on any table, window or doorway. Each table has a pit boss or manager who watches over the game and looks for cheating or other problems. Dealers are trained to look for blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards. They also watch for betting patterns that might signal cheating. All of this is done in an effort to keep gambling as fair as possible for the patrons and to ensure the safety of the staff.