A casino is a building where gamblers can play a variety of games. There are thousands of casinos around the world, but some cities are especially famous for them. The Las Vegas Strip is perhaps the most famous one, but other places are also known for their casinos.
The history of casino
A gambling craze swept Europe in the 16th century, and aristocrats started holding parties in private houses known as ridotti [Source: Schwartz]. These were typically lavishly decorated with elaborate furniture and rich carpets.
Modern casinos are designed to resemble a luxurious living space, and they can include restaurants, bars, theaters, stage shows, and other amenities to attract gamblers. Generally, a casino tries to maximize the amount of money it can make from each shopper.
Slot machines are the most popular of all casino games, and they offer the biggest profit percentage to casinos. Players place a predetermined amount of money on a machine, then pull a handle or push a button and wait for a pattern to appear.
Table games are other popular forms of gambling at casinos. These games require the involvement of casino employees (croupiers or dealers) and involve playing cards, dice, or other casino equipment.
Random number games are another form of gambling at casinos, based on a selection of randomly selected numbers. These are generally more difficult to cheat at than table games, because they require a higher level of skill.
In the United States, legal casino gambling began in Atlantic City in 1978, and has continued to expand as a number of states have passed laws permitting them. The popularity of casinos in the United States has been a driving force behind the expansion of legal casino gambling worldwide.