A casino is a place where gambling is the primary activity. It may offer free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery as well as a range of games to bet on.
The casino industry has grown rapidly. It is now a billion dollar a year industry worldwide, and some of the world’s most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas.
Originally, casinos were public halls for music and dancing; by the 19th century, they had become gaming rooms or gambling establishments. Today, a casino is an establishment where people gamble, usually in the form of slots, video poker or table games.
Game selection varies by location; in the United States, roulette is one of the most popular games, while craps is a major draw for high rollers. In France, most of the casinos take a less than 1 percent advantage, and the majority of American casinos require an advantage of no greater than 1.4 percent.
Security
Gambling is a highly dangerous activity, so the casino industry has made considerable investments in security. Cameras and other technology watch over the entire casino floor, monitoring the activities of dealers, pit bosses and patrons in order to prevent cheating, theft and unauthorized gambling.
Security is also a matter of personal conduct, as a gambler must always keep their cards visible at all times and never touch them while they are in play. In addition, all employees are required to sign a contract agreeing not to cheat or steal from other players.