A casino, or gaming establishment, offers patrons the opportunity to gamble by playing games of chance and/or skill. Some casinos also offer other forms of entertainment, such as live music and stage shows. Gambling is regulated by both public and private organizations in many jurisdictions. Some countries, such as the United States, have dedicated state-licensed casinos. Others allow private citizens to operate casinos, but they must meet certain standards to do so. The casino business is highly competitive, and casinos strive to make their customers feel as if they are winning every time they play.
Casinos can be divided into three general categories: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one player at a time and do not involve the interaction of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and roulette, require the involvement of croupiers, or dealers, to conduct the game and keep track of the players’ money. Random number games, such as bingo and Keno, use a random selection of numbers to determine winners.
Some casinos specialize in certain types of gaming, such as Asian games, such as sic bo (which is now found in many European and American casinos), fan-tan, and pai gow. Asian casinos may also feature other games of local interest, such as pachinko, a Japanese game similar to pinball. In addition to traditional casino games, some modern casinos have added a variety of newer games, such as video poker, electronic roulette, and baccarat.
In a casino, the most common way for players to win is by accumulating the highest total of points over a series of spins on a slot machine. This form of gambling is regulated by law in many areas and is known as “slot machine racing.”
Casino security is an important issue, as the large amounts of cash handled within a casino can attract criminals. Modern casinos usually employ a combination of physical security forces and a specialized department for surveillance operations. The latter may use catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass directly at the casino tables and slot machines.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany first attracted royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago, and its casinos still attract the rich and famous today. In fact, it is home to the world’s largest casino complex. Inspired by the baroque flourishes of the Palace of Versailles, its lavish red-and-gold rooms are so extravagant that German actress Marlene Dietrich once declared it “the most beautiful casino in the world.” The Bellagio is a particularly stunning example—not only does it host more than 2,300 slot and video reel games, but it also features poker, roulette, baccarat, keno, and a range of other table games. The Mashantucket Pequot Indian tribe’s Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut is another major contender. At 4.7 million square feet, it is the biggest in the United States. Its six casinos include a wide range of table and card games, plus several restaurants and shops.