The term casino comes from the Italian word for “little house”. Its primary purpose is to entertain the public, and it usually includes gambling tables and devices. Some casinos also have hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and even entertainment events. Early names for casinos were simply “pleasure houses”; today, gambling in casinos is a way of life for many rich people. The first legal casino opened in Baden, Switzerland, in 1765. Since then, there have been numerous incarnations of the casino, with the latest being Trump casinos.
A major advantage that casinos enjoy over other types of casinos is the fact that they’re willing to reward high rollers for spending a lot of money. High rollers spend significantly more money than average gamblers, and are often seated in special rooms separate from the main casino floor. In addition to spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars, high rollers also receive special treatment and incentives, such as complimentary show tickets and discounted travel packages. This strategy allows casinos to maximize the number of people they can attract, resulting in higher gambling revenue.
Casinos have made great use of technology to make their premises safer. Video cameras and computers are now routinely used to monitor casino games. Using betting chips with microcircuitry enables casinos to monitor wagers minute-by-minute. Roulette wheels, in particular, are also monitored for statistical deviations. Enclosed versions of popular casino games like roulette and blackjack are also available that do not require dealers or a dealer. These games, known as electronic roulette, are very popular with customers because they allow the players to place their bets by simply pushing buttons instead of using dice or cards.
Casino security began in the 1950s when Nevada legalized gambling. Because of this, many legitimate businessmen and hotel chains hesitated to venture into casinos. As a result, organized crime figures with lots of money from illegal rackets were eager to participate in the casino business. They did not mind the infamous image of gambling and started a steady stream of money into the casinos of Reno and Las Vegas. A few even became mafia-owned.
Gambling statistics also show that the average American visited a casino in the last year. This is a trend that is likely to continue, and casinos have become the “game of the rich” in the modern trend. A study by Harrah’s Entertainment found that the average American visiting a casino in the United States was 46 years old, and came from a household with a higher-income than the national average. These statistics are interesting to consider because they show the types of people who visit casinos.
Gambling, like the development of the modern casino, has a long history. Earlier, people used primitive protodice such as astragali (cut knuckle bones) and six-sided dice. During the 16th century, gambling swept Europe, and the casino as a gambling establishment began to emerge. The popularity of gambling led to private parties held in ridotti, which were exclusive clubs for the rich. The Havana casino, for example, was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s famous novel, Casino Royale.