A Casino is a gambling hall where people can place bets on various games of chance. Modern casinos are like indoor amusement parks for adults, with the vast majority of their entertainment (and profits) coming from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno account for the billions in profits raked in by American casinos every year.
Gambling almost certainly predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in many archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. But the modern casino as we know it didn’t develop until the 16th century. During this time, a gambling craze was sweeping Europe, and wealthy Italian aristocrats would meet to gamble at private venues called ridotti. These places were technically illegal, but the aristocrats weren’t bothered by the police as they enjoyed their glitzy pleasures.
Casinos use a variety of strategies to ensure their profitability, including offering comps to “good” players. Free hotel rooms, dinners, tickets to shows and even limo service and airline tickets are given out to those who spend large amounts of money at the gaming tables and slot machines. A casino’s comp program is based on how much a player spends and the type of play he or she engages in. Ask a casino employee or someone at the information desk how to get your play rated.
Casinos also invest a great deal of money in security measures, as well as training for their employees to recognize problem gambling signs. In the United States, responsible gambling is mandated by state law and casinos display information about local and national resources for support services.
