marceloburlonWhen most people think of a Casino, they imagine one of the massive Las Vegas megaresorts that gleam with neon lights and offer a vast selection of games, but casinos come in all shapes and sizes. Some are exclusive, high-stakes gambling clubs romanticized in film and literature with images of high stakes gamblers surrounded by a select group in tuxedos or evening dresses, while others are open to the general public and have more of a clubhouse feel. There are also racinos, which are racetrack-based casinos that have game machines instead of horse racing betting terminals, and casinos on ships and barges on waterways across the country.
Gambling is the primary source of revenue for most casinos, and successful ones earn billions in annual revenues for investors, corporations, and Native American tribes. In addition to the profits from gambling, casinos generate revenue through food, entertainment, and other amenities. Many of the largest casinos also have hotels, spas, and other facilities for guests.
While many casinos are located in large cities, there are a growing number that have opened on Indian reservations and at other locations. These operations often have lower operating costs and are less subject to state taxes, which can make them more competitive with Las Vegas-style casinos.
Security is a major concern for casinos, especially given the large amounts of money handled by their employees and patrons. Casinos employ a variety of measures to prevent theft and cheating. They may hire security guards and have video surveillance systems, which are often monitored remotely from a central control room. Some have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down on the tables and slot machines from above.
The types of people who gamble at casinos vary by location, but are generally older, middle-class Americans. They have above-average incomes, and are more likely than the national average to be married, have children, and live in suburban areas. Most of these adults are over forty, and about a quarter have college degrees. Those who prefer to play the most popular games, such as blackjack and roulette, are more likely to be men.
Some of the most famous casinos in the world are in Las Vegas, where many visitors go for the glitz and glamour. The Bellagio, for example, is known for its dancing fountains and has been featured in many movies. Other popular choices include the Casino de Monte-Carlo, in Monaco; the Casino Lisboa, in Lisbon; and the Casino Baden-Baden, in Germany. In the past, some mobsters used their illegal racket earnings to fund casinos in Nevada and elsewhere, giving them a tainted reputation that continues to this day. However, legalized gambling has helped to diminish this stigma and attract new patrons. As a result, the number of people visiting casinos has increased significantly since 1989. The industry is booming and is projected to continue to grow. By 2008, it was estimated that about 24% of all Americans had visited a casino in the previous year.
