A Casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance. Some casinos are massive resorts, while others are smaller card rooms or even bars. Regardless of their size, they generate billions in annual profits for the corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. Those profits also translate into tax revenues for state and local governments.
While gambling probably predates recorded history, the concept of a casino as an establishment where patrons could find all kinds of games under one roof did not appear until the 16th century, when Italian aristocrats began hosting private parties at houses known as ridotti [Source: Poley]. Gambling mania swept Europe in that period, and it isn’t hard to imagine why.
Modern casinos use elaborate security systems to prevent cheating and stealing. Dealers watch each other carefully and can quickly spot blatant attempts at marking cards or switching dice. Elaborate surveillance systems offer a high-tech “eye in the sky,” and electronic monitoring of betting chips allows casinos to know exactly what is being wagered minute by minute, and to warn dealers immediately if there are any deviations from the expected results.
Besides preventing cheating and theft, casinos focus on customer service. They give perks to big spenders, called comps, which can include free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, and limo service. While this strategy may seem shady, it is effective. Comps are designed to encourage gamblers to spend more and to attract new customers.