When you’re hankering to clink your slot machine lever, roll the dice or throw some cards at a poker table, a casino is the place to go. These glamorous destinations aren’t just for the gamblers – they’re full of great food, tasty booze and other fun activities to satisfy your inner hedonist.
Although the precise origin of gambling isn’t known, it’s generally accepted that casinos are an outgrowth of gaming. Many people love the adrenaline rush of putting their money on the line and seeing whether they can win. Casinos offer a variety of games that test players’ mettle, including slots, roulette, blackjack and video poker. Many casinos also offer entertainment, such as stage shows and dramatic scenery.
Most casino games have built in statistical advantages for the house, which ensures that the casino will make a profit, or at least not lose its investment. This advantage can be very small — less than two percent, for example — but it adds up over the millions of bets that casino patrons make. The house edge is known as the vig or rake, and it’s how casinos earn enough to build fancy hotels, fountains and replicas of famous landmarks.
With so much cash being handled within a casino, there is always the temptation for patrons and staff to cheat and steal. This can be done either in collusion or independently, and is a major reason why most casinos have security measures in place to deter such behavior. Security cameras in the ceiling provide an “eye-in-the-sky,” and they can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons by security workers in a separate room filled with banks of monitors.
The fabled Bellagio in Las Vegas, for instance, is considered one of the most elegant casinos in the world. It’s been a favorite for high rollers since it first opened its doors 150 years ago, and even inspired the film Ocean’s 11. The hotel is also known for its luxurious accommodations, fine dining and breath-taking art installations.
The largest casino in Europe is Casino Lisboa in Portugal, which covers 164,800 square feet and features more than 1,000 slot machines and 26 table games. It’s also home to three restaurants and a three-ring rotating stage for live performances. The casino has a tropical theme that is reflected in the resort’s lush gardens and pools, along with its art gallery and contemporary art exhibitions. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s luxury spa and fitness facilities. In addition to its numerous entertainment options, the hotel is home to several high-stakes poker tournaments and a luxurious poker room. Those who prefer more low-key gambling can enjoy the numerous bars and lounges that feature live music.
