A casino or gaming house is an establishment where people can gamble and play games of chance. Many casinos are built near or combined with hotels, restaurants and shopping areas. Some also offer entertainment, such as stage shows and concerts. Most states have laws regulating gambling.
The first modern casino was the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, which opened in 1863 and remains the world’s most famous. Its architecture is based on the classical French palace style. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a major source of revenue for the principality.
In the United States, the first legal casinos appeared in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1978, and in the 1980s they started to appear on American Indian reservations, which were not subject to state antigambling laws. Many European countries legalized casinos during the second half of the 20th century.
Most modern casinos rely on sophisticated technology to prevent cheating and stealing by patrons. For example, a “chip tracking” system enables casinos to monitor the exact amounts placed on each table minute-by-minute, and electronic systems in roulette allow them to detect any statistical deviations from expected results. Casinos also have specialized departments that supervise surveillance operations.
A casino’s security department is usually divided into a physical force that patrols the facility, and a specialized surveillance department that oversees gaming activity. In some casinos, the surveillance department is able to watch patrons and employees through one-way glass. This is especially useful when observing potential thieves, as well as cheating or collusion between players.