The casino is a place where many different games of chance are available. Though a variety of other entertainment options are added, gambling remains the primary attraction for players and contributes to the billions of dollars in profits that casinos rake in each year. While stage shows, shopping centers and elaborate themes may help draw in the crowds, casinos would be nothing without the games of chance themselves. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and baccarat all provide the action that brings in gamblers to spend their hard-earned money.
Gambling almost certainly predates written history, with primitive proto-dice and carved knuckle bones appearing at archaeological sites, but the modern casino as a place where patrons can find all types of gaming under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, during a gambling craze in Europe. Casinos, however, are not immune to the pitfalls of gambling. Every game that is offered has a mathematical expectancy that the house will win, and the odds of winning are stacked against the player. To offset these risks, casinos often offer big bettors extravagant inducements like free spectacular entertainment, hotel rooms, luxury transportation and dining, reduced-fare hotel rooms and limo service and airline tickets, and complimentary drinks and cigars while gambling.
Casinos are also a popular destination for families, and many have family-friendly amenities like restaurants and pools. Moreover, as sustainability becomes more of a focus, some casinos are implementing environmental initiatives and contributing to social causes.
In the United States alone, about 51 million people—a quarter of all adults over 21—visited a casino in 2002, according to the American Gaming Association. Some casinos are so large that they can be viewed from space. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, famous for its dancing fountains and luxurious accommodations, is one such example.
Despite their opulent trappings, casinos are not immune to the darker side of gambling, with cheating and other criminal activities rife. To combat this, casinos employ a host of security measures, including an eye-in-the-sky surveillance system and high-tech monitoring stations that can track suspicious activity. The security staff is trained to spot telltale signs of cheating or illegal behavior, and casino owners are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency. In addition to maintaining a secure environment, most casinos provide security officers and guest assistance services to ensure that all visitors have a pleasant experience. In the event that a gambler experiences an emergency or is injured, the casino will provide medical care and arrange for transportation home. The casino is also responsible for collecting taxes, which is based on the amount that the customer wagers, not the winnings. This tax is usually collected by the casino at the time of check-in or at the beginning of each gambling session. In some states, it is illegal to gamble in casinos without a valid state-issued gambling license or passport.