A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can gamble and bet on various games of chance. Several countries have legalized casinos and other forms of gambling. Some casinos are located in resorts and are combined with other attractions such as shows. Other casinos are standalone facilities dedicated to certain types of gambling. A number of these facilities are primarily for entertainment purposes, while others offer educational opportunities or serve food and drink.
Casinos are designed to appeal to the senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch, and to stimulate and sustain gamblers’ attention. They use a variety of methods to lure and keep gamblers, such as bright colors (often red), flashing lights, bells, whistles, and clanging coins. Some casinos use electronic systems that monitor betting amounts minute-by-minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any statistical deviation from the expected results.
Many casinos offer comps, or complimentary items, to patrons to encourage them to spend more time and money there. Depending on how much they gamble, and which games they play, patrons can earn free room stays, meals, drinks, or even tickets to shows and sporting events. During the 1990s, some casinos introduced new technology that allows them to track patrons’ spending habits more accurately. The use of electronic tracking devices called RFID chips, which can be placed in slot machines and table game chips, has allowed the casinos to monitor exactly how much money is being wagered and who is winning and losing.
The type of patrons who visit casinos has changed significantly over the years. In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old woman with above-average income. She tended to go gambling in groups and to gamble for longer periods of time than younger adults.
Most casinos have a physical security force to patrol the premises and respond to any calls for assistance or suspicious activity. Some have a specialized surveillance department that uses closed circuit television, often referred to as an “eye in the sky” system. These surveillance departments work closely with the physical security force to ensure the safety of both patrons and casino property.
Some casinos are very lavish, such as the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco, a favorite of royalty and aristocracy; and the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany, where actress Marlene Dietrich once said that “there’s nothing quite like a good casino.” Some have an exotic location, such as Venice’s Casino di Venezia, which is accessible only by water taxi or private boat. Others have an upscale reputation, such as the Wynn Las Vegas and the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nevada. A few, such as the Palace Station in Las Vegas, have an old-world feel that attracts high rollers and other affluent patrons. Most casinos, however, have a mix of clientele and offer something for everyone.