A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance and, in some cases, skill. The games typically give a house an expected long-term profit, known as the “house edge.” Some casinos also offer a small percentage of the money played back to players, called the “rake.” The house edge is more prominent for certain types of games, such as blackjack and video poker.
In casinos, the house may be tempted to cheat and steal in order to maximize profits. Consequently, modern casinos are often equipped with security measures, such as security cameras and other electronic monitoring systems.
While the casino’s security department usually handles physical security, a specialized surveillance department monitors the activities within the casino. The cameras are wired to a system that tracks the amount of money wagered minute-by-minute and can quickly detect statistical deviations from expected results. Likewise, roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to ensure that the odds are in line with those published in the game rules.
The casino in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first attracted royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, but today it attracts more adventurous gamblers. The hotel’s red-and-gold poker rooms and plethora of table games draw hardened dollar spinners and newbies alike. The Venetian Macau in China, a massive replica of its sister site in Vegas, is a behemoth that boasts its own canal road for gondola rides and an abundance of restaurants and bars.
