A casino is a gambling establishment for certain types of games of chance. It may be combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants and retail shops. It is also known for hosting live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy, concerts and sports.
Casinos have a very particular atmosphere to keep their patrons happy and entertained, so they are designed around noise, light and excitement. Lush carpets and richly tiled hallways often complement carefully designed lighting that can be adjusted to match the mood of the games being played. Many casinos have high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” surveillance systems, allowing security workers to watch every table and change in windows from a separate room filled with banks of security monitors.
To make money, a casino needs gamblers. Gamblers must be able to weigh risk and reward, make wise decisions and a bit of luck. To attract them, a casino must have more than glitz and glamour, though these are often present. It must offer a thrill and excitement that is not available anywhere else, and it must be safe.
In the past, a casino could rely on organized crime to fund it. Mafia families brought in large sums of cash to Reno and Las Vegas. They also took sole or partial ownership of some casinos and influenced the outcomes of games by their use of intimidation and violence. These days, casinos are much choosier about who they allow to gamble. They focus their investments on attracting “high rollers,” people who spend more than average. These big gamblers are often rewarded with free hotel rooms, meals and tickets to shows. In some cases, a casino may even provide limo service or airline tickets.
