A casino is a gambling establishment offering various types of games of chance. Casinos are usually located in hotels and resorts or combined with other attractions such as restaurants and shopping malls. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy and concerts.
Gambling has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. Despite its ancient origin, the modern casino is a relatively recent invention. In the United States, the most famous and well-known casinos are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, although many cities around the world have casinos.
In modern casinos, the house advantage is mathematically determined for most games, though some, such as poker and blackjack, allow a certain amount of player skill to affect the outcome of the game. These statistics are calculated by mathematicians and computer programmers who specialize in the field of gaming analysis. Casinos must know both the expected value and variance of each game they offer in order to operate profitably.
During the 1990s casinos dramatically increased the use of technology to control and supervise their operations. For example, “chip tracking” allows casino surveillance personnel to view the exact amounts of chips being wagered minute-by-minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored for anomalies. Some casinos also have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on the activities of players at the table and slot machines.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden became a playground for wealthy Europeans 150 years ago, drawing royalty and aristocracy from across the continent. Its casino still lives up to that reputation, with red-and-gold poker rooms and a plethora of blackjack and roulette tables.