A casino is an establishment for gambling. It offers a variety of games of chance to its patrons, and often includes restaurants and entertainment venues. Some casinos are operated by national governments, while others are private enterprises. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by state law. The word casino is derived from the Latin cazino, meaning “to chance.” In modern usage, the term is most often applied to large gambling establishments that feature table games such as blackjack, poker and craps, and offer other electronic gaming such as video poker. In addition to these games, some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing.
Gambling has been a part of human culture throughout history, and there are numerous records of it occurring in nearly every society. The precise origins of gambling are difficult to determine, but the earliest forms were probably simple games of chance. Many of these early games had a significant element of skill, and the most successful players were recognized by society. Today, casino gambling is a huge industry that encompasses everything from humble card tables in back rooms to spectacular mega-casino resorts.
Casinos make their money from the vigorish or house advantage that is built into most games of chance. This advantage, which is mathematically determined for each game, ensures that the casino will win in the long run, and allows it to offer a fair amount of winnings to patrons who are playing within its limits. Casinos also earn revenue from the sales of drinks, cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as from fees charged for the use of certain table games. Some casinos also generate income from the rental of space to outside events such as concerts and conventions.
Most modern casinos have a high level of security, divided between a physical security force and a specialized department that monitors the casino’s closed-circuit television system. In some cases, this is done in conjunction with the local police. The majority of casino security forces are trained to detect and deter criminal activity, rather than actively patrolling the casino.
The typical casino patron is a middle-class forty-six-year-old female with above-average income. This demographic is largely responsible for the recent expansion of casinos into suburban areas and out-of-town shopping malls, where they compete with the upscale retail and dining options found in urban centers. In 2005, the average American spent $23 per day in a casino, up from $18 in 1980.
Casinos have been known to offer lavish inducements to high-rollers, including free spectacular entertainment, transportation and elegant living quarters. In general, these patrons are considered to be “big bettors,” and they can generate substantial profits for the casino. They are usually given special treatment by the casino, and this can include access to exclusive clubs and lounges, personal assistants and reduced-fare transportation. This is an example of a type of situation in which the law prohibits casinos from offering illegal inducements to gamblers.