A casino is a place where people can play various games of chance for money. Unlike gambling, which is the broader concept of betting or wagering on an uncertain outcome and can happen in many settings, casinos are specifically designed to house these games. Many casinos add a number of extra amenities to help lure gamblers, such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows. However, even places that have less elaborate surroundings and offer fewer amenities could technically be considered casinos, as long as they host gambling activities.
Although a modern casino may look more like an indoor amusement park for adults, the billions of dollars in profits raked in each year by casinos would not be possible without the simple games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps are just some of the casino games that attract players and bring in the cash.
Casinos use a variety of methods to ensure the honesty and fairness of their games. Security begins on the floor, where dealers are trained to watch for blatant cheating such as card marking, palming and dice switching. Pit bosses and table managers can also spot unusual betting patterns. Cameras in the ceiling offer a high-tech “eye in the sky” that can be adjusted to focus on specific suspicious patrons.
In 2008, 24% of Americans reported visiting a casino. The average casino visitor is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income, according to Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS. Gamblers typically have above-average education levels and more vacation time than the general population.