The word Casino conjures images of glitz, glamour and affluence. While dazzling entertainment, lavish hotels and restaurants are part of the appeal, gambling is the driving force behind casinos’ billions of dollars in profits each year. The modern casino is much like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the bulk of entertainment (and profit) derived from games of chance such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and keno.
While the exact origin of gambling is unknown, primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found at archaeological sites suggest that betting on events with some degree of chance has been around since ancient times. Gambling as we know it, however, did not become a widespread activity until the 16th century when casino-like establishments called ridotti sprung up across Italy to cater to gambling crazed aristocrats.
In addition to security cameras, casinos employ a variety of technology to monitor the integrity of their games. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry connect to electronic systems that enable casinos to oversee the amount wagered minute-by-minute and alert them if a statistical anomaly occurs. Casinos also employ mathematicians and computer programmers to calculate the house edge and variance for each game and to develop strategies that minimize the house’s advantage.
While the Las Vegas strip may get most of the attention in movies, tv shows and travel brochures, the United States has an incredible number of casino destinations. The state of Nevada leads the way with a staggering 1,600+ casinos, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago. While many of these casinos are primarily tourist destinations, a few are also thriving local business centers.