A casino is a place where various games of chance can be played and where gambling is the primary activity. While the modern casino may add a host of entertainment options (such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows) to lure customers, it would not exist without its main attraction: gambling. The money people wager on slot machines, blackjack and table games provides the billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos every year.<\/p>\n
Though gambling probably predates recorded history, the first casinos developed in the 16th century during a gaming craze that saw Italian aristocrats gather at private clubs called ridotti. [Source: Schwartz] Today, casinos are designed to appeal to the senses of sight, touch and sound. For example, slot machines are arranged in a maze-like fashion so that wandering patrons are continuously enticed by new gambling options. And table games, like roulette and baccarat, are designed to be elegant and exciting.<\/p>\n
Because so much money passes through a casino, it\u2019s no surprise that security is a major concern. In addition to cameras, casinos employ a wide range of other measures to prevent cheating and stealing. Dealers keep a close eye on patrons to spot blatant cheating, such as palming, marking or switching cards or dice. And pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the action, ensuring that no one is stealing chips from other players or taking advantage of betting patterns that signal collusion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A casino is a place where various games of chance can be played and where gambling is the primary activity. While the modern casino may add a host of entertainment…<\/p>\n