What Is a Casino?

A casino is a building or room where gambling games are played. In the United States, casinos generate billions of dollars in profits every year from a variety of games of chance, including slot machines, roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack and video poker. Other revenue sources include dining options and a range of entertainment offerings like musical shows and lighted fountains. While these amenities help attract customers, casinos would not exist without the games themselves.

Gambling, in one form or another, has been a part of human civilization for millennia. In fact, the earliest evidence of a game of chance dates back to 2300 BC in China, when archeologists found wooden blocks used as dice. Today, modern casinos are sprawling cathedrals of consumption that are filled with flashing lights and wall-to-wall sound. Yet, despite their glitzy facades and elaborate themes, most of the money casinos make comes from betting on games of chance.

To ensure that their games are fair, casino employees watch patrons very closely. Security guards roam the floor and look for blatant cheating (like palming or marking cards). Dealers are watched by supervisors who can quickly detect any statistical deviation from expected results. Table managers and pit bosses are similarly scrutinized.

In addition to vigilance, casinos use technology to keep track of their patrons and the games themselves. For example, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allow casinos to monitor exact amounts wagered minute-by-minute and warn players of any suspicious behavior. Casinos also monitor all of their equipment and games using specialized computers that can identify any statistical deviation from the expected outcome.