Casinos are facilities for gambling, typically built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. They are also known for live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports.
History of the Casino
The history of gambling dates back to at least the 16th century, when a gambling craze hit Europe. Italian aristocrats often held private parties in small clubs known as ridotti, and gambling was often the main activity [Source: Schwartz].
Today, there are over 1,000 casinos worldwide, including those in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and other locations in the United States. The number of casino establishments continues to grow, as more states legalize gambling and as Interstate competition drives gambling to new areas.
Security at a Casino
The most basic security measures at a casino are cameras, which record every transaction and monitors all games for cheating. Dealers and pit bosses watch for blatant cheating like palming or marking cards or dice. Other more subtle cheating signals can be spotted by table managers, who keep an eye on each table and its patrons, and track betting patterns that might indicate a cheat.
Comps and Rewards
Many casinos offer rewards for frequent play. These can include free hotel rooms, dinners, and show tickets for players who spend a certain amount of money at the casino. In some cases, casino employees can also award players points that they can redeem for free casino cash and merchandise.