A casino is a gambling establishment, typically in the form of a large building, that offers various types of gambling. It is also a place where entertainment is offered, such as music and stage shows. Casinos are a major source of revenue in many countries.
In the United States, the largest casinos are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Other large gaming facilities are located in Native American casinos on reservations and in commercial establishments that are built on or near tribal land. Many state governments have legalized casinos to raise revenue and promote tourism.
Gambling in all its forms—from the casual game of chance with a bookie to the high-stakes table games such as poker and blackjack—has been a part of human culture for millennia. Archaeologists have found dice in China dating back to 2300 BC, and playing cards showed up in Europe around 500 AD. In the twentieth century, the rise of casinos helped revitalize a number of American cities that had suffered from a lack of industry and rising crime rates.
Modern casinos have become choosier about whom they accept as patrons. Some restrict their operations to “high rollers” who spend much more than the average gambler and often stay for extended periods of time. These individuals are rewarded for their high stakes with a host of freebies such as luxury suites and personal attention.
Security is also a major concern in casinos, where large amounts of money are handled. Patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently; for this reason casinos are heavily guarded. Some have catwalks above the casino floor that allow surveillance personnel to look down directly on tables and slot machines.
