A casino is a public room where gambling games such as roulette, baccarat, poker and blackjack are played. A casino’s profitability depends on its patrons, who gamble in exchange for prizes or money. Most casino games have a predictable long term house advantage, but some have an element of skill. Those who possess the skills to overcome the house edge are known as advantage players. A casino also profits from a percentage of money bet, which is taken by the casino and called the vig or rake.
The most lavish casinos in the world offer high stakes thrills alongside opulent suites, spas and fine dining. From Las Vegas to Macau, discover Hopper’s list of the top ten temples of temptation where betting on black and red is elevated to an art form.
In most modern casinos, security is divided between a physical force that patrols the premises and a specialized department that operates the closed circuit television system (CCTV). These departments work very closely together to ensure the safety of patrons and their property. In addition to the CCTV, a modern casino may also have catwalks in the ceiling above the gaming floor that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one way glass, on the activities at the tables and slot machines.
The MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip is a storied casino that attracts hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies. The casino has the usual range of game tables and slots but what really draws in visitors is its state-of-the-art sports betting facilities, complete with 60 large plasma TVs.
