A casino is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. Many casinos also offer other entertainment, such as restaurants and bars, as well as luxury suites and spa services. Casinos earn billions of dollars each year for their owners, investors and the companies that operate them. State and local governments also receive millions in taxes and fees from casino operations.
In the twenty-first century, casinos are focusing on the biggest moneymakers, high rollers who place large bets that often exceed $100,000 a hand or spin. These VIPs gamble in rooms separate from the main casino floor and can earn comps worth tens of thousands of dollars or more, such as free luxury suites and personal attention.
Most casinos have a built-in advantage of about two percent on all bets placed, whether on slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps or keno. That edge allows the casino to attract customers and pay out winning bets. It’s also the reason that casinos spend a huge amount of money on security. Cameras watch every table, window and doorway; dealers are constantly monitored for blatant cheating, such as palming, marking or switching cards and dice; and tables are watched for betting patterns that may indicate rigging.
In 2005, the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old woman from a household with above-average income. According to market research firm Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel by TNS, the casino business generates billions of dollars each year for its owners, investors, companies and Native American tribes. In addition, the industry provides employment for a large number of people, both directly and indirectly.