Whether you love to spin the slots, lay it all down on the roulette wheel or throw some dice, casinos are the place to satisfy your gambling itch. But they’re also more than just betting dens; most feature a full range of dining, drink-fueled fun and other non-gambling attractions.
The etymology of the word casino is unclear, but by the second half of the 19th century it had come to mean a collection of gaming or gambling rooms. Some of the most famous casinos are located in Europe, including Monte-Carlo, Monaco, and Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, while others, like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, have become synonymous with high-roller glitz.
Gambling is the main draw, and casinos make billions of dollars a year off patrons who try their hand at games like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. These games are largely played by luck, though skill is involved in some.
With so much money changing hands, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or on their own. To prevent this, casinos use security measures that include cameras and other technological devices. They also employ strict rules about player behavior, and some casinos even ban players from wearing hats or sunglasses while playing. While casinos offer an array of games and amenities, they would not exist without the gamblers who keep them in business.
