What Is a Casino?

A casino is a gambling establishment where players place bets on games of chance. A classic example is the Monte-Carlo casino, which dates from 1863 and continues to be a major source of income for the principality of Monaco. Casinos can also be found in many other countries and cities, particularly in those that are not subject to state anti-gambling laws. These include Atlantic City, New Jersey and American Indian reservations.

Gambling almost certainly predates written history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at archaeological sites. But the casino as a venue for a variety of gambling activities did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Wealthy Italian aristocrats would hold private parties at houses called ridotti, where they could gamble legally.

Casinos make money by charging an advantage to bettors on the outcomes of certain games. The amount of the edge can be small, less than two percent, but over time it adds up and helps casinos build elaborate hotels, fountains and replicas of famous buildings. Casinos also earn money from the vig (vigorish) charged on winnings at slot machines and other table games, and from the rake (commission) taken on poker, baccarat and roulette bets.

Something about the nature of gambling seems to encourage cheating and stealing to increase chances of winning. That is why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. In addition to cameras and other electronic devices, casinos use routines and patterns in their operations to detect suspicious activity. Whether it is the way dealers shuffle cards or how patrons react to particular situations, the expected reactions and movements of casino patrons follow predictable patterns, making it easier for security staff to spot unusual deviations.