When most people think of casino, they imagine one of the giant megaresorts in Las Vegas — but casinos come in many sizes, and are located all over the world. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, became a playground for European royalty and aristocrats 150 years ago, and its casino is among the most luxurious in the world.
Whether playing slots, table games, or poker, players compete against the house rather than other patrons. The house has an advantage in most games, which is mathematically determined and referred to as the “house edge.” In games with a skill element, such as blackjack and poker, the house also takes a small commission from each hand or game played, known as the rake.
Casinos employ a variety of technologies to help ensure the integrity of the games. For instance, gaming machines have special chips with built-in microcircuitry that enable them to be tracked minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover quickly if they are off kilter from expected results. In addition, casinos use cameras to supervise their patrons and the games themselves.
Most casinos offer gamblers comps (complimentary items) based on their play, such as free slot spins or meals. They may also track patrons’ spending habits and offer them more lucrative rewards programs if they are frequent visitors. In 2008, 24% of Americans reported having visited a casino within the previous year.