Unlike the seedy backroom gambling parlors of old that evoke images of crime and addiction, modern casinos are large, professional entertainment pavilions where people pay to gamble, eat, watch live shows (or sometimes closed-circuit broadcasts), and enjoy themselves. These large, safe places are filled with noise, light, and excitement. They also feature trained security guards and monitor parking lots. While some crimes do occur around casinos, they are generally quite rare.
The Thrill of the Games
Gambling is an intense experience. The fast pace of blackjack requires strategic decisions, while the spinning wheel of roulette offers pure anticipation. The flashing lights and pulsating music create an exciting atmosphere. In addition, a wide variety of games exist so that everyone can find something to enjoy.
How Casinos Make Money
All casinos make money, even when their patrons lose. Every game that a patron plays has a built-in mathematical advantage for the house. That edge can be as small as two percent, but it adds up over the millions of bets placed each year by gamblers. The house edge for a particular game may be different depending on how the casino structures its rules and regulations.
Because the house always wins, casinos are able to offer extravagant inducements for high-stakes players. These can include free spectacular entertainment, transportation, luxury living quarters, and other rewards. These benefits attract many tourists, which provides additional income for local businesses and hotels. However, economic studies have shown that gambling addiction shifts spending away from other forms of entertainment, and the costs of treating compulsive gamblers more than offset any positive economic impact casinos may have on a community.