A casino is a gambling establishment offering a variety of games of chance, and in some cases skill, for wagers. Some casinos specialize in particular games, such as blackjack and roulette; others are more general in scope. In either case, a casino is a place where patrons can gamble and enjoy entertainment at the same time.
While musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers might attract some customers, most of the billions in profits raked in by casinos every year come from games of chance. Slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps and a variety of other games provide the excitement that keeps regulars coming back for more.
Throughout the 1990s, casinos increased their use of technology to monitor and supervise the games. In one example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry interact with electronic systems at the table to enable the casino to oversee minute-by-minute wagers and be warned of any deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are also electronically monitored regularly to discover statistical anomalies.
The world’s most famous casino is probably the Bellagio in Las Vegas, a site that has become synonymous with luxury and elegance thanks to its iconic dancing fountains and luxurious accommodations. The Bellagio was even featured in the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven. Other popular casinos include the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco and the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon.