Know Where to Fold Them - Casinos

If you are into gambling, then casinos are the place for you.  A casino is a venue that supports and offers certain gambling activities.  Casinos are common in resort towns and large cities, with a few notable examples in the United States.  Casinos can also be part of hotels, cruise ships and some restaurants.  There are about five thousand casinos operating worldwide.

History of Casinos

17^th Century Venice was the location of one of the first traditional casinos in the world.  The term casino later grew to include any public building where sports, gambling, and other forms of entertainment took place.  By the 19^th century, the word casino could mean any place where folks could meet and conduct business socially.  However, most casinos of today offer options in keeping with the traditional meaning.  In the United States, entrance in a casino is limited to those who are at least 18 to 21 years of age. 

Gambling in Casinos

There are lots of things to entertain in the casino, but the gambling is the main attraction.  Customers can try their luck at the slot machines, or visit tables to play craps, roulette or other games of chance.  If they are skilled enough, some might opt to attempt to play games requiring more skill, such as poker or blackjack.  Don’t worry… chances are (literally) that you won’t win hugely in the long term.  The house, or casino, maintains a statistical edge to ensure they stay in the black overall.  The house also takes a commission on the winnings.

Security in casinos is usually a combination of cameras and a live armed security force.  This allows the casino to be constantly monitored for signs of criminal activity, and makes a quick response possible in the event of any issues.  Customers who have won can even arrange for an escort to their rooms or to their vehicles to further ensure their safety.

If Only For One Night:  Cruise Ship Casinos

There are some states that prohibit or strictly regulate gambling.  To circumvent this the Casino cruise has been created.  These floating casinos allow patrons to board, and set sail for an evening of fun and romance.  Once the ship is out into the open waters (which don’t fall under state regulations) then the games begin.  Some casinos operating in this manner offer package deals whereby patrons also sail to some destination and return sometime the next day.  Others market their cruises as the perfect date night for the adventurous.