A casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played. A casino also provides a host of other activities and luxuries to attract patrons, including restaurants, bars, free drinks and stage shows.
Gambling has been around since the earliest times, with protodices and carved six-sided dice appearing in archaeological sites as early as the ancient Mesopotamia. Although the concept of gambling as a social activity did not develop until the 16th century, casinos began appearing in Europe soon after.
Casino Security
Most modern casinos have a physical security force as well as a specialized surveillance department that uses closed circuit television and other technology to keep track of gamblers and their assets. The specialized security department works closely with the physical security force to help prevent crime.
Casino Interior Design
The goal of casino decor is to make the space feel luxurious and exciting. Lush carpets and richly tiled hallways are usually paired with carefully designed lighting that dims slightly to give the casino a mysterious, high-end feel.
Slots
The standard attraction at a casino is the slot machine. They are arranged in a maze-like fashion so that wandering patrons are continuously enticed by more gambling options.
Table Games
The main table games at a casino are roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. A number of other games are popular as well, such as video poker and craps.
Payout
In most games, casinos have a built-in advantage over players, called the house edge. This can range from a few percent to a significant percentage, depending on the game and how players play it. For example, the house edge on American roulette is 5.26%.