What is a Casino?

A Casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance to its patrons. Its primary attraction is its gambling section, but most casinos also offer restaurants, bars, free drinks and stage shows as well. While casino gambling probably predates written history, the modern casino as a place where people can find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof developed during the 16th century when a gambling craze swept Europe. The name “casino” comes from the Italian word for little house or cottage, and it refers to the fact that these early venues were typically small and quaint.

The modern casino relies heavily on technology to control and oversee its gambling operations. The use of video cameras is common, and computerized systems routinely monitor the betting chips used to wager on games, as well as the roulette wheels and other equipment. In addition, special devices called “chip tracking” allow the casinos to supervise exactly how much is wagered minute-by-minute and alert them to any statistical deviation from expected results; roulette wheels are often rotated on a regular basis to reveal any anomalies as well.

Casinos make money by charging a commission, or vig, on each bet placed. The exact amount varies by game, but it is generally less than two percent of the bets placed. The casinos also earn money through the “rake” of poker and other games where players compete against each other, and by taking a percentage of the bets on gaming machines.