A casino (also called a gaming house or gambling house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It is also known for hosting live entertainment, such as concerts and comedy shows. Some casinos are operated by government-owned entities, while others are owned and operated by private individuals or corporations.
Casinos often make their profits by attracting high-stakes gamblers from around the world. These gamblers are known as high rollers, and casinos try to lure them with comps like free spectacular entertainment, luxury accommodations, top-notch restaurants, reduced-fare transportation and more. Because of the high stakes involved, these gamblers typically have a mathematical expectation of winning money at each game they play.
As technology advances, casinos have made use of video cameras to keep watch over their patrons. This eye-in-the-sky technology is able to monitor every table, window and doorway of the building and can be adjusted by security workers to focus on specific patrons. Electronic systems are also used in games like blackjack and roulette to monitor the amounts of money wagered minute-by-minute, and to quickly discover any statistical deviation from expected results.
Casinos are often located in glamorous and historic locales like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, and the Casino Baden-Baden in Germany. These venues have become famous worldwide for their elegance and splendor, and many are featured in popular movies and television shows. Aside from their glitz and glamour, casinos can also contribute to economic development in their host communities. One study found that counties with casinos saw a rise in employment, as well as spending by residents, in other businesses like hotels and restaurants.
