In the 1950s, casino business began to take off in Nevada, and casinos were soon sprouting up everywhere. However, many legitimate businessmen shied away from the casinos because of the gangster-like image attached to gambling. In this climate, organized crime figures saw the casino industry as an easy target for their illicit money and took advantage. Money from the casinos flowed in steadily, and the mafia began to get personally involved in some establishments.
While the majority of casino entertainment comes from gambling, some establishments are purely themed. For example, the Trump casino in Atlantic City was originally a theater and banquet hall, while the Newport Casino, in California, never allowed gambling, but was used for other social activities. In fact, the casino building is now the home of the National Tennis Club.
Casinos have long figured out that the best way to attract visitors is to offer more than gambling. Many casinos have now become casino resorts, complete with hotel rooms, entertainment, and business opportunities. A trip to a casino resort can be enjoyable for the entire family. In some cases, grandparents and grandmothers will even go on a weekend bus trip to a casino.
Casinos also use elaborate surveillance systems to keep an eye on the people and games inside. For example, cameras placed on the ceiling of the casino monitor every table and doorway. This allows surveillance personnel to focus on specific patrons that seem suspicious. Additionally, video feeds are recorded for later review. Furthermore, casino security measures also include computer chips that determine the payouts of slot machines.
In addition to baccarat, casinos also offer other popular table games. Some casinos specialize in inventing new games. Some games are also regulated by state laws. Some of the more popular dice games include Keno and Craps. All of these games contribute to the overall ecosystem of a casino. The gambling experience at a casino is an enjoyable experience, and the entertainment options are plentiful.
The popularity of gambling has prompted casinos to implement a variety of security measures to make the environment more secure. Video cameras and computers are routinely used to supervise casino games. Casinos have also begun to use “chip tracking” technology, wherein betting chips with built-in microcircuitry monitor wagers minute by minute. Roulette wheels are also monitored for statistical deviations. Many casinos also have wholly automated games, enabling players to bet by simply pushing buttons.
Many casinos also have prime dining and beverage facilities. Several of these venues also house performances by different types of artists. There is something for everyone in a casino. Some casinos offer daily and weekly poker events. For instance, the World Series of Poker is held out of Las Vegas. The gambling industry has expanded significantly in the past decade, with casinos operating in more than 40 states.
Gambling is an ancient activity, and has existed for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of gambling comes from carved, prehistoric protodice, commonly called astragali. It was not until the 16th century that the casino developed as a place for gambling. The craze spread throughout Europe. In Italy, for example, the aristocratic class held private parties in clubs for the rich, and gambling was a common pastime. However, it was considered illegal, and the Italian Inquisition would come down on them.
