Whether you like to hit the slot machines, spin the roulette wheel, throw dice at the craps table or play some poker, you can probably satisfy your gambling urges at a casino. These establishments offer a wide variety of games of chance and feature elaborate settings, free drinks, stage shows and other luxuries to attract gamblers. But they all have one thing in common: gambling is the primary activity.
While some casinos have strict rules against cheating or stealing, others are not so careful. Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, there is always the possibility that employees or patrons may attempt to defraud one another, either in collusion or independently. To combat this, most casinos use security cameras and other monitoring systems.
A casino is also designed to make a profit by offering various inducements to gamblers. Most casinos accept all bets that fall within an established limit, so a gambler cannot win more than the casino can afford to pay. But even lesser bettors can earn “comps” like free entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and luxury hotel rooms.
The word casino derives from Italian, and it originally meant a small clubhouse for members of an exclusive social club to meet. However, with the advent of legalized gambling in Nevada and other American states, these clubs grew larger and more luxurious. The Bellagio, for example, is known for its dancing fountains and opulent rooms. In the 1980s, casinos started appearing on Native American reservations, which are not subject to state antigambling laws.