A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Most casinos have table games, like blackjack and poker, as well as slot machines and roulette. Some also have sports books and other types of betting. Some have a theater and offer live entertainment. Casinos make money by charging players a small percentage of every bet, which is called the house edge. This edge can be lower than two percent, but over time it can add up to millions of dollars in revenue. Casinos also earn money by allowing players to use hotel rooms and other services as “comps” in return for playing at the casino.
A lot of money is at stake, so it’s not surprising that casino security is a top priority. Employees on the floor keep an eye on patrons and games to catch blatant cheating, such as palming, marking or switching cards or dice. Then there are the more subtle things that security people look for. For example, the routines and patterns of how dealers shuffle, deal and ring up bets follow certain expected guidelines. So if something doesn’t fit that pattern, security will be on it quickly.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for European royalty 150 years ago, and its casino is still one of the most luxurious in the world. The elegant red and gold interior is designed to mimic the Palace of Versailles, and Marlene Dietrich once declared it the most beautiful casino in the world.
