A casino’s games of chance earn it billions in profits every year. But while lighted fountains, floor shows and shopping centers might attract guests, casinos would not exist without the gamblers who bet on blackjack, roulette, craps and slot machines.
Something about gambling seems to encourage people to cheat, rob or scam their way to the jackpot. That’s why casinos spend a great deal of time, money and effort on security. It starts on the gaming floor, where dealers keep an eye on each other to make sure nobody palms cards or marks dice. Security staff also watches over table games, looking for shady betting patterns that might indicate cheating.
The casino is also a center for entertainment, offering concerts and shows for those who aren’t interested in a game of chance. Many casinos have restaurants and bars, as well as a hotel and other amenities. Some of the larger casinos in the world even have theme parks or a ski resort.
In the United States, casinos first started appearing on Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling laws. They later expanded to Atlantic City and other American cities, then overseas. Today, there are more than 3,000 legal casinos in the world. Some are opulent palaces in Las Vegas, Macau and Monte Carlo, while others are small in a quiet corner of a bustling city like New York or Shanghai. They range from high-roller hotspots to family-friendly destinations.