A casino (or gambling house) is a place where people play games of chance for money. Many casinos also offer restaurant services and entertainment. Some places are almost defined by their casinos, such as Monte Carlo in Monaco. Others, such as Las Vegas in Nevada and Chicago in Illinois, are not primarily known for their casinos but have them as a significant part of their economy.
Like any business, casinos are designed to make a profit. A casino’s profits are determined by a mathematical expectation for each game, called the “house edge.” It is very rare that a gambler will win more than the casino can afford to pay out, so casinos employ mathematicians and computer programmers to ensure that the results of their games do not deviate from expectations. These employees are sometimes called gaming mathematicians or gaming analysts.
In the past, casinos were often run by ruthless men and women who used physical force to enforce rules and keep their patrons under control. Modern casinos are much more sophisticated in their use of technology and have a specialized security department that patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance and reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.
The Bellagio in Las Vegas is famous for its fountain that’s featured in movies like Ocean’s Eleven, but it also has state-of-the-art poker rooms with sky-high table limits that attract professional players. The hotel and casino complex also boasts exquisite dining options, a spa and salon, upscale shopping, and mesmerizing art installations.
