A casino is a place where people can play games of chance for money. Slot machines, blackjack, craps, keno and roulette are all casino games. These games have a built in long term advantage for the casino, known as the house edge. Despite this, casinos are popular and attract people from all over the world. Casinos add other entertainment like musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers to their gambling activities but the vast majority of profits come from gaming.
Gambling has been around for a very long time, with primitive proto-dice and even carved six sided dice found in archaeological sites. But the modern casino as a central hub for gambling didn’t develop until the 16th century. At that time, a gambling craze was in full swing and wealthy Italian nobles often held private parties in places called ridotti. Although technically illegal, the ridotti were rarely bothered by authorities and allowed gambling to flourish [Source: Schwartz].
While some casino games have a skill element, most are simply games of chance. Nonetheless, casinos require strict security. They keep the gambling area separate from other areas of the building and employ many rules to make sure players aren’t cheating. Casinos also have cameras and other surveillance equipment to monitor their patrons. And while most of us think of Las Vegas when we hear the word casino, there are many more luxurious and interesting places to gamble around the globe.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for European royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago, and this elegance extends to the casino’s red-and-gold poker rooms and plethora of blackjack and roulette tables. It’s no wonder Marlene Dietrich once declared it the most beautiful casino in the world.