What Is a Casino?

What Is a Casino?

Casino

A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons wager money on games of chance, in some cases with an element of skill. Craps, roulette, blackjack and poker are among the most popular games in casinos. A casino’s profitability depends on its ability to attract and retain large bettors, so it must offer them attractive inducements. These may include free spectacular entertainment, transportation and elegant living quarters. In addition, many casinos hire mathematicians to determine the house edge and variance of individual games.

In the United States, the first modern casinos sprang up around the turn of the 20th century, in cities such as Atlantic City and Las Vegas. During the 1980s and ’90s, more casinos appeared on American Indian reservations and on riverboats in Iowa. However, a number of states, including California, have passed laws prohibiting casinos.

Casinos require sophisticated security measures, because patrons are often tempted to cheat or steal. Various security systems, such as cameras and random audits, are employed to deter these activities. The design of a casino also encourages security. The layout and routines of games, the expected reactions and motions of players, all follow a pattern, so that it is easier for security people to spot deviations from normal behavior.

Casinos are often the center of controversy, both for their role in generating economic growth and for their social problems. Critics contend that casinos draw dollars away from other local businesses, such as restaurants and hotels; that the costs of treating problem gamblers outweigh any economic gains; and that the presence of a casino diminishes the quality of life in a community.