The Casino Business
Casinos are the places where people go to gamble. There are lots of different games to choose from, including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, craps, keno and poker. Most casinos have some form of entertainment, like musical shows or lighted fountains. But the vast majority of the money a casino makes is from gambling. The billions of dollars that American casinos rake in each year come from games that have an element of chance, like slot machines, roulette and blackjack. The other big moneymaker is the croupiers or dealers who run the games of chance. These employees are usually attractive women and men who earn wages that are much higher than those of other casino workers.
Gambling is legal in many countries. Casinos are regulated by law and must follow certain guidelines. The owners of casinos must pay taxes on the money they take in, and they must keep careful records. Casinos are also required to provide security for their guests. This includes a variety of electronic measures, such as cameras, but also rules of conduct and behavior. It is not uncommon for casino patrons to cheat or steal, which is why casinos spend so much time and money on security.
In the past, a casino was a private club where members could meet to play a variety of social games. Many of these clubs were established in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, by the 20th century most countries had changed their laws to permit casinos and public gaming. The word casino was probably derived from the Italian “casa” meaning house. The modern casino has grown into a large entertainment venue with several games of chance, bars and restaurants. The casinos of Las Vegas and Atlantic City are famous for their elaborate decorations and dazzling displays, but the casino business is global in nature.
The best casinos in the world offer an elegant and sophisticated gambling experience. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is known for its dancing fountains, luxurious rooms and high-end dining options. Its reputation was further enhanced by the Ocean’s 11 movie, which was set in the hotel.
A casino’s security starts on the ground floor, where staff monitor games of chance and patrons. They watch for blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards and dice. Dealers are trained to look for these behaviors and to report them. Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the casino, watching for betting patterns that might indicate cheating.
A friend of mine used to work in a casino. He told me that he was disgusted by the number of people who would stand at slot machines soiling themselves because they believed that they were on a winning streak. He said that he eventually quit his job because he couldn’t bear the sight of human beings acting so stupidly. But something about gambling makes people act that way. Something about it seems to encourage them to try to cheat or steal their way into a jackpot.