The clinking of slot machines, shuffling of cards and ringing of roulette wheels are the sounds of self-indulgence that enchant travellers in casinos. Some travel the world specifically to visit casinos, while others inadvertently stumble upon them and find themselves enjoying a good time.
Casinos are gambling establishments that draw in millions of visitors with extravagant inducements and luxurious perks. They would not exist without games of chance and bettors; they make billions of dollars in profits each year on games such as craps, baccarat, blackjack, poker and video poker. This profit, often called the house edge, is based on math and statistical odds that ensure that the casino will win money over time.
Gambling in some form has been around for millennia, with evidence of dice and card games found in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Modern casinos are sophisticated facilities that feature high-tech surveillance and a multitude of entertainment and recreation options. Aside from the gambling, a casino might offer a nightclub or theater, restaurants and shopping.
In addition to elaborate surveillance cameras that monitor the entire casino floor, each table game has a manager or pit boss who watches over patrons to watch for patterns that might signal cheating. Casinos also employ “chip tracking” systems, which enable them to oversee the exact amount of money wagered minute-by-minute; and electronic monitoring of roulette wheels that detect any statistical deviations from their expected results.