When most people think of casino, they probably picture one of the megaresorts in Las Vegas—a place brimming with neon lights and fun. But Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word includes a much wider range of activities.
A casino is a building or room used for social amusement, especially gambling. Typically, casinos have high-quality restaurants, and most offer a wide variety of casino games, such as blackjack, poker, and roulette. Some even host live entertainment, such as singing or dancing.
Casinos often have strict rules governing player behavior to reduce the possibility of cheating or theft. They may have security cameras throughout the premises, and employees are trained to spot telltale signs of cheating or stealing. Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, it is possible for both patrons and employees to become tempted to steal, in collusion or independently.
In a survey of Nevada citizens conducted for the American Gaming Association in 2002 by Peter D. Hart Research Associates and Luntz Research Companies, respondents who admitted to going casino gambling at least once a month indicated that they most enjoyed playing slot machines. Card games, such as baccarat, chemin de fer, and blackjack, were next in popularity. Other games, such as keno and bingo, and betting on sporting or racing events, were less popular.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden became a playground for European royalty 150 years ago, and its casino still draws crowds today. Its lavish rooms and dozens of roulette, baccarat, and blackjack tables are among the most luxurious in the world.
