A casino is a gambling establishment where the primary activities are games of chance. While lighted fountains, shopping centers, elaborate hotels and stage shows help casinos lure gamblers in, the billions of dollars a year they rake in is primarily from gambling. While some games do involve an element of skill, the vast majority of them have mathematically determined odds that give the casino a built in advantage over the players, called the house edge. Casinos make their money through this house edge and a percentage of the funds (winnings) paid out to players known as the vig or rake.
Casinos have long been a magnet for organized crime figures, who provide the large amounts of cash that keep the businesses going. In the 1950s, mafia money helped finance the growth of Las Vegas and Reno, but it was also used to fund other illegal rackets such as drug dealing and extortion. Mafia leaders became involved in casinos, acquiring full or partial ownership and imposing their own rules on casino employees.
Today’s casinos are often massive complexes with many gaming floors and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. They are designed to be exciting and stimulating places to visit, and they strive to create a special atmosphere for their guests. However, not all casinos are created equal. The best ones are a combination of dazzling architecture and top-notch customer service. Casinos can be found all over the world, but the best are in Las Vegas.
