A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are standalone facilities while others are part of hotels, resorts, or other entertainment complexes. The games played in a casino generally involve chance, but some have an element of skill. Casinos also often have restaurants, bars, and other amenities for their patrons. The word casino is derived from the Latin casino, meaning “house of games.”
In the United States, the term casino is most closely associated with Nevada and its gambling industry. However, other states have legalized gambling as well. In addition, some Native American tribes have their own casinos. Casinos are most frequently found in cities with large populations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Some casinos are built near lakes, mountains, or other natural attractions, and some are themed to these destinations. The Casino di Venezia, in Venice, Italy, is one such example. Other casinos are located in exotic locales, such as Monte Carlo, Monaco; Singapore; or Macau, China. Casinos are often built in partnership with tourism authorities, and they seek to attract visitors from all over the world.
Casinos are heavily regulated in many jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, they are required to submit audited financial reports to their state gaming control board. In addition, they must employ certified gaming mathematicians to calculate the house edge and variance for each game they offer. These calculations help the casino determine how much of a profit it can expect to make, and they are used to monitor the financial health of the operation.
The large amount of money that changes hands within a casino can inspire both patrons and staff to attempt to cheat or steal. For this reason, casinos invest a significant amount of time and money in security. Most modern casinos use video cameras and computerized monitoring systems to supervise both the casino floor and the games. In some cases, the machines are even designed to be tamper-proof. For instance, some roulette wheels have built-in microcircuitry that enables the casino to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute-by-minute and warn them of any unusual anomalies; other games are wholly automated and enclosed in glass.
In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old woman from a household with above-average income. She spent an average of two hours per visit, and primarily gambled on slot machines. Casinos appeal to this demographic because they are social, noisy places where people can interact with each other or shout encouragement at their fellow players. Many casinos feature bright, sometimes gaudy, carpeting and wall coverings to create an exciting, stimulating atmosphere. They also provide a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic.
In the 1950s, organized crime groups began investing in Reno and Las Vegas casinos. The mobsters provided the funds, but they also took over sole or partial ownership of some casinos and exerted considerable influence on other aspects of their operations. This tainted the reputation of the casinos, which had been known for their seamy image, and caused them to seek ways to improve their public image.
