What is a Casino?

A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos combine high-tech features with a themed environment, but they still rely on games of chance for the billions in profits that they rake in every year.

While the glitzy hotels, musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers attract gamblers, the real reason casinos exist is because of games such as slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and craps. These games give the house a built-in mathematical advantage and, when combined with the billions of dollars that patrons wager each year, make casinos the world’s most profitable businesses.

In the past, casinos were run by organized crime groups, which supplied the cash to finance their operations. Mob money helped build the Las Vegas strip and made Reno one of America’s premier gambling destinations. But legitimate businessmen were reluctant to get involved with the shady world of organized crime.

Casinos use a variety of technology to ensure fair play and prevent cheating. Some casinos monitor game outcomes using high-tech video cameras, while others employ sophisticated systems such as chip tracking (where betting chips have built-in microcircuitry), which enables casinos to monitor exact amounts wagered minute by minute and be alerted of any statistical anomalies. Other technology enables casinos to offer a completely automated version of table games such as dice or roulette, where players place bets by pushing buttons instead of dealing with live dealers. Many casinos also reward their top players with free hotel rooms, meals and shows or limo service.