The Casino Experience

The word casino evokes thoughts of luxury, excitement and glamour. From Venice to Monaco to Singapore, these magnificent gambling palaces are a dream come true for high rollers and tourists alike. But these casinos offer more than just games. They are a complete entertainment experience.

A modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults. Slot machines, baccarat, black jack roulette and craps generate billions of dollars in profit each year for the houses that operate them. Table games such as baccarat and blackjack have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage, which is known as the house edge. In games where players play against each other, the casino makes its profit by taking a percentage of the pot or charging an hourly fee.

Many casinos use technology to monitor and control the games. For example, some use catwalks in the ceiling above the floor that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on the activities at the tables and slots. Other casinos have special “chip tracking” systems that record the amounts of chips wagered minute by minute, and they periodically check for statistical anomalies.

In addition to video cameras and sophisticated computer programs, casinos have strict rules about gambling behavior. Some prohibit the use of mobile phones in their gaming areas, and others have minimum bets and maximum limits on certain games. In addition, some states have anti-gambling statutes that require casinos to follow strict security procedures.