A casino is a place where gamblers place bets on games of chance. The modern casino is much like an indoor amusement park for adults, but the bulk of the entertainment (and profits) comes from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno are just some of the many ways people can gamble.
Although gambling probably predates recorded history, it did not become a popular recreational activity until the 16th century. That was when a gambling craze swept Europe. At that time, it was not unusual for wealthy Europeans to hold private parties at their homes called ridotti. Although technically illegal, they were rarely bothered by the authorities.
Today, casinos are big business, and they generate billions in profits each year. Unlike most businesses, casinos have built-in statistical advantages for the house in each game they offer. These edges are usually less than two percent, but when multiplied by the millions of bets that patrons place each year they make for a profitable business model.
Something about gambling seems to encourage cheating, stealing and scamming in the name of winning a jackpot. As such, casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security.
As the casino industry grew, owners began seeking funds to finance expansion and renovation to draw more Americans to their gaming establishments. Organized crime figures had lots of cash from their drug dealing, extortion and other legal rackets, so they became partners in some casinos. As the mob’s reputation for violence grew, legitimate businessmen with deep pockets bought out their interests and ran casinos without mafia involvement.
