The history of casino is a long one, beginning with primitive games like knuckle bones and cut knuckles. However, the modern casino as a place to find a variety of gambling opportunities under one roof didn’t emerge until the 16th century during a major gambling craze in Europe. Initially, casinos were small private clubs for Italian aristocrats called Ridotto where they could enjoy social gatherings and gamble.
Although there’s an element of chance involved in all casino games, most of them have a built-in advantage for the house (called a house edge). This advantage ensures that the casino will eventually make money on each game played. This is why casinos offer free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery to attract customers.
Casino security is a huge part of the business. It starts with employees on the floor keeping their eyes on patrons to watch for blatant cheating, marking or switching cards and dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view of the tables to look for betting patterns that might indicate cheating or theft.
Casinos also reward “good” players with comps. These are free goods or services given to players who spend a lot of time and money at the casino. They can include anything from free hotel rooms, meals and tickets to shows to limo service and airline tickets. Ask a casino employee for details about how to get your play rated. The best online casino sites will give you cash and free spins as bonuses.