A casino is a building that houses games of chance and provides entertainment. Often a major tourist attraction, casinos are located near or combined with hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, but their main source of income is from gambling. The modern casino is much like an indoor amusement park for adults, but the vast majority of its entertainment (and profits for the owner) comes from betting on games of chance such as slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Musical shows, lighted fountains and themed architecture also contribute to the fun, but they don’t make up for the billions of dollars in profits that casinos bring in each year.
Gambling has been around for millennia, and there are records of it being practiced in every society that has ever existed. In modern times, it’s estimated that 24% of American adults have visited a casino. From the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip to the illegal pai gow parlors of New York City, the modern casino offers a wide variety of choices for those seeking a little bit of luck.
The word “casino” derives from the Italian word for “small hall.” The first casino was opened in Monte Carlo, a principality of Monaco, in 1863. Since then, many other renowned casino have opened, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany. Today, most casinos offer the full range of amenities to attract gamblers and entertain them while they’re there.
