The soaring clifftop Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco is among the most famous casinos in the world. The Belle Epoque structure glistens beneath the Mediterranean Sea, and its interior is equally lavish. But this casino isn’t just about gambling; it offers top-tier entertainment, as well. It has hosted everything from high-flying circus acts to the latest Billboard-topping musicians.
Gambling in its various forms has been around for millennia, with evidence dating back to 2300 B.C. in China. Dice became popular in ancient Rome, and the card game baccarat appeared in the 1400s. Today, it is common for modern casinos to offer several different types of games. These are often divided into three categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines are played by one person at a time, and they do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games are supervised by casino employees known as croupiers, and they involve competing against the house. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers, either by a machine or by a dealer.
Casinos have extensive security systems to prevent criminal activity. These include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the premises, while the latter operates closed circuit television, which is commonly referred to as “the eye in the sky.” To analyze data on player behavior, many casinos hire mathematicians with expertise in the field of gaming analysis. These experts can help the casino determine its house edge and variance for each game, so it knows what kind of cash reserves it needs to keep on hand.
