The Casino is a glamorous, high-end establishment where patrons can enjoy food, drink and entertainment. While a variety of other things may draw people into casinos, such as shopping centers, musical shows and elaborate themes, the billions of dollars in profits raked in by gambling games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat provide the true foundation for casino success.
The term “casino” dates back to the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. While primitive dice and carved knuckle bones show that gambling has existed for centuries, the casino as an institution for finding a variety of ways to gamble under one roof didn’t emerge until the 18th century.
Modern casinos are designed to keep you in the game as long as possible, from the lack of clocks and windows to free drinks and cigarettes. This strategy works, as most gamblers are aware that the house always has an edge in casino games, and they bet for the enjoyment of the experience and the hope of winning some money.
Security in a casino begins on the gaming floor, where employees watch patrons with a keen eye for any tampering or cheating. Dealers are heavily focused on their own games and can spot blatant palming or marking cards with grease, while pit bosses and table managers have a more comprehensive view of the entire room to see how many players are at each table and note any betting patterns that might signal a cheat. Cameras in the ceiling also allow security personnel to monitor every table, window and doorway.