A casino is an entertainment complex that primarily offers games of chance. Musical shows, shopping centers and lavish hotels help draw in the crowds but casinos would not exist without slot machines, blackjack, poker, craps, baccarat and other gambling games that bring in billions of dollars in profits each year.
The word casino is derived from the Italian Casin
As gambling became more accepted and legal, the casino industry exploded. Nevada became the leader in the industry, and other states followed suit with new gaming facilities, particularly after New Jersey legalized casino gambling in 1978. Native American gambling has also grown dramatically, fueled by the success of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Gambling is a highly addictive activity. Many gamblers are prone to cheating and stealing, either in collusion with other patrons or independently; for this reason, casinos invest a significant amount of time, effort and money on security. In addition to cameras, casinos enforce rules of conduct and behavior to deter these types of activities.
As the casino business grows, operators are becoming more selective in who they allow to gamble and what type of game they play. They concentrate their investments in the high rollers, whose spending can exceed the average casino spend. These big bettors are given extravagant inducements such as free spectacular entertainment, limousine service, elegant living quarters and reduced-fare transportation.