When most people think of casinos they automatically envision the Las Vegas strip in Nevada, but the USA is a country that boasts land based casinos in most major cities and even some rural areas. These casinos offer a range of gambling opportunities to visitors who want to experience the excitement of real money games. Whether you prefer video poker, blackjack, roulette or craps, a casino is bound to have the game you are looking for.
CASINOS PERSUADE PEOPLE TO GAMBLE
Despite the fact that the word casino is synonymous with gambling, it actually refers to a type of social gathering. The casino originally meant a public hall for music and dancing. In the second half of the 19th century, it came to mean a collection of gaming or gambling rooms. The word is derived from the Latin Casinum, which means “little castle.”
Modern casinos are often built in elaborate surroundings that are designed to create an atmosphere that will be appealing to gamblers. There are usually multiple floors and large windows that allow for plenty of natural light. In addition, the decorations are bright and colorful, often with themes based on popular movies or other cultural references. Many casinos use the color red to stimulate a sense of energy and excitement. In addition, the ambiance is augmented by loud music and other special effects.
Casinos make most of their money by accepting bets from patrons. Every game has a built in mathematical advantage for the house, which can be as low as two percent. This advantage, sometimes called the vig or rake, gives the casino enough profit to cover expenses and even turn a profit.
Because of the large amounts of money that are handled in a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. In order to prevent this, casinos have a variety of security measures. These include cameras located throughout the casino, which provide surveillance personnel with a bird’s eye view of the gaming floor. In addition, many casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look down, through one way glass, on activity at table games and slot machines.
Casino security is typically divided into two departments. The physical security force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized surveillance department, on the other hand, operates the casino’s closed circuit television system. They are able to watch activities in all parts of the casino, including the private rooms where high-stakes gamblers play. These security forces work together to ensure the safety of both patrons and employees.
