What Makes a Casino a Gambling Destination?

Casinos rely on games of chance to generate billions in profits each year. While music shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers help lure in guests, the business wouldn’t exist without the gambling element. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno provide the thrills and excitement that bring in the cash.

While most movies barely scratch the surface of what makes Las Vegas tick, Scorsese’s Casino is a riveting and accurate portrayal of the city and its history. The movie lays bare the web of corruption and crime that infiltrated the casino industry. It exposes mobsters and politicians, as well as the Teamsters union, Chicago mob and Midwest mafia that were involved in gambling operations.

Gambling likely predates recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in some of the oldest archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. However, casinos as places where people could find a variety of ways to gamble under one roof did not develop until the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Rich nobles would hold private parties at their homes, called ridotti, where they could gamble and socialize with fellow members of their family and friends.

While a casino’s amenities, location and unique offerings help attract visitors, online marketing is also important. Fast and reliable payouts, as well as efficient customer support, are critical to a casino’s reputation and user experience. Additionally, a casino should promote responsible gaming features like deposit limits and self-exclusion tools, which will increase user trust and create a more positive brand perception.