A casino is a gambling establishment that houses a variety of games of chance and offers patrons the opportunity to gamble. In addition to table and slot machines, some casinos offer entertainment such as floor shows and golf courses as well as high-end restaurants and hotels. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is perhaps the most famous of all, thanks to its dancing fountains and opulent accommodations and its place in Hollywood films like Ocean’s 11.
While many casinos feature a wide range of amenities and attractions, they are not all alike. Some are small and intimate, while others are massive, like the colossal Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. This wildly huge complex has more than 400 gaming tables, 6,000+ slot machines and a bingo hall that can hold 5,000 players at once. It also boasts a top-notch hotel, spa, restaurants and live entertainment.
Security is an important aspect of a casino’s operation. Staff on the floor monitor all the tables to make sure there is no blatant cheating (palming, marking or switching cards, for example). Pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the action and note betting patterns that could indicate cheating. In the twenty-first century, casinos are much more choosy about who they allow to gamble and concentrate on their “high rollers,” or players who bet large amounts of money, often in rooms separate from the main casino floor. These high-stakes players earn the casino a significant portion of its gross profit, and are rewarded with free spectacular entertainment, luxury living quarters and other inducements.
