A casino is a gambling establishment that offers table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. The best casinos also offer top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Like any industry in a capitalist society, casinos are in business to make money. Successful ones rake in billions each year for the corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. State and local governments often reap significant tax revenues from casinos as well.
Casinos focus on customer service and provide a stimulating atmosphere to encourage gamblers to spend more money. They also offer “comps,” or complimentary items, to their most loyal customers. During the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos were famous for their deeply discounted travel packages, cheap buffets, and free show tickets. This strategy was designed to maximize the number of guests in order to generate the highest possible revenue from gambling.
Because so much money is handled within the walls of a casino, security is an important aspect of the business. Employees have a close eye on patrons to spot blatant cheating, such as palming cards or marking dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a wider view of the tables and can spot betting patterns that suggest collusion or cheating.
In the past, mobster owners controlled many of the world’s casinos, but federal crackdowns and the threat of losing a license to operate prompted these powerful gangsters to sell their interests in casinos. Today, legitimate casino companies, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, have deep pockets and make sure that every aspect of their operation runs smoothly.