A casino is a gambling establishment where people can gamble and play games of chance. Some casinos specialize in particular kinds of games or offer an extensive array of machines and table games. Some are located in vacation destinations such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Most casinos feature restaurants, bars and night clubs. They may also have swimming pools, golf courses and concerts. Casinos strive to attract high rollers and keep them coming back by offering five-star amenities.
A variety of security measures protect patrons and property within a casino. Many casinos are equipped with surveillance cameras that cover large areas. In addition, casino staff members are trained to spot suspicious behavior or activity. Security guards patrol the floors and watch players and dealers for signs of collusion or cheating.
Something about casinos encourages people to try to cheat or steal, either in collusion with the staff or on their own. Because of this, casinos invest a great deal of time, effort and money in security. For example, high-tech systems monitor every table, change window and doorway from a central control room. Some casinos even use computer chips with built-in microcircuitry to track the amount of money wagered on a machine minute by minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover statistical deviations quickly.
While gambling probably existed in some form before recorded history, it took hundreds of years for it to develop into a modern industry. The first modern casinos were established in Nevada in 1931, and the business boomed as other states adopted gambling legislation.