Whether they are massive mega-casinos or small neighborhood joints, casinos are entertainment centers for people who want to try their luck at games of chance. Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat and poker are among the many casino games that give these establishments their name and billions of dollars in profits each year. But casinos would not exist without their customers, and they go to great lengths to keep them coming back for more fun.
The word casino comes from Italian and means “a small clubhouse for social events.” Throughout most of history, gambling was illegal in most parts of the United States, but the idea of an establishment dedicated to games of chance started to take shape. The first modern casinos appeared in Reno and Las Vegas. Mob money helped launch these enterprises and gave them a reputation for being seamy places that drew criminals and gangsters. Legitimate businessmen were reluctant to get involved, but real estate investors and hotel chains had lots of cash from their other businesses and could finance casino projects without the Mafia’s association with vice.
Casinos are often built around or combined with other attractions, such as hotels, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. Some offer live entertainment and/or host professional sports teams. They usually have gaming floors that feature slots and other casino games and sometimes table games as well. Some casinos even have dedicated rooms for high rollers and VIP players who prefer quieter sessions.