The Casino – The Place For Gambling Enthusiasts

In a casino, as the name implies, gamblers can risk their money in games of chance. Musical shows, lighted fountains and luxury hotels may draw in customers, but casinos would not exist without the billions of dollars in profits generated by slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and other games.

During the second half of the 19th century, mob money flowed into Reno and Las Vegas casinos. Mafia figures financed them, got sole or partial ownership of them and made money by bribing dealers and other casino employees. But federal crackdowns on gambling and the mob’s seamy reputation put an end to the gangsters’ control of casinos. Eventually real estate investors and hotel chains stepped in, and they had enough money to acquire the casinos and operate them independently of the mob.

Today, casinos are large, dazzling entertainment complexes that have grown far beyond the traditional slot machines and table games to include restaurants, hotel rooms, non-gambling gaming areas, bars and other amenities. Some even have pools and spas. They attract a clientele that is not necessarily representative of the overall population. According to research by Harrah’s Entertainment, the typical American casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income.

Many people are drawn to casinos because of the social aspect. They are often surrounded by other people as they play games of chance and the noise and excitement of the gambling environment encourage them to shout encouragement or cheer on their friends. Something about gambling, though, seems to encourage people to cheat and steal in an attempt to win, so casinos spend a great deal of time, effort and money on security.