A casino is a place to gamble and play games of chance. Its musical shows, lighted fountains and lavish hotels draw in the crowds, but the billions of dollars that casinos make every year come from games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette and craps.
The exact origin of gambling is not known, but it has been popular in almost every culture throughout history. It was a common pastime among Ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and Elizabethan England. Modern casinos are much more elaborate than those of the past, and the technology used to control them is staggering. Casinos are wired with cameras and computer systems that monitor everything from the cards dealt to the movements of the dice. In addition, they are staffed by professional dealers who know how to operate the various games and how to encourage patrons to wager large amounts of money.
Despite the high stakes involved, casino employees are aware that cheating and theft is a constant danger. Casinos take numerous precautions to prevent this, and they reward loyal customers with free goods and services. The most obvious are hotel rooms, meals and tickets to shows, but some offer limo service and airline tickets as well. Ask a casino employee or the information desk to learn how to get your play rated.
Because casinos deal in so many currencies, they also must be concerned with money laundering. This is why most have security measures in place to keep track of all the money that moves through their establishments. These measures may include video surveillance, tight controls of cash flows and rigorous checks of all players and employees. In addition, they have to work closely with local law enforcement.
The most famous casino in the world is in Monte Carlo, Monaco. It was opened in 1863 and is a major source of income for the principality. The Monte Carlo casino has been featured in many movies and books, including Ben Mezrich’s “Busting Vegas,” based on true events.
The closest casino to Nashville is Tropicana Evansville in Indiana, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city. This is a relatively new establishment that opened in 2017 and was once a riverboat casino. It was transformed into a land-based casino when the state changed its gaming laws. It is another of our picks for the best casinos in the United States.