A casino is a place where people can gamble. These establishments are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They may also host live entertainment, such as concerts and stand-up comedy. Some casinos are known for having luxury accommodations, and many have pools, spas, and other amenities that make them desirable destinations for tourists and locals alike.
Historically, the casino industry has shaped much of America’s entertainment culture and history. In the United States, legal casino gambling first began in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, followed by other cities such as Reno, Elko, and New Orleans. In the late 20th century, a general expansion of casino gambling occurred throughout the country, fueled by the proliferation of Native American tribal casinos and state-licensed commercial casinos.
While the exact origins of casino gambling are unknown, it is widely believed that it has been a part of human societies for thousands of years. Almost every civilization has some form of gambling. Some games are played exclusively for money, while others require a certain amount of skill. Players who possess sufficient skills to eliminate the inherent long-term house advantage of casino games are referred to as advantage players.
Because large sums of money are handled within casinos, security measures are important. A typical modern casino has a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the gaming floor via closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. These departments work closely together and are able to detect cheating and other criminal activity quickly. In addition to CCTV, casinos commonly have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down directly on the tables and slot machines from above, through one-way glass.