A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming hall, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos often combine gambling with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other tourist attractions. Some states have laws regulating the operation of casinos while others prohibit them altogether. Many of the world’s most famous casinos are in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, although there are also many smaller casinos throughout the United States and other parts of the world.
In modern times, casinos are usually heavily guarded against cheating and stealing by both patrons and employees. Security personnel patrol the floor, and tables are frequently examined for signs of fraud, such as marks or stains on cards or dice. Video cameras and other electronic systems monitor the table games themselves, enabling a casino to track the amount of money wagered minute-by-minute and alert security workers to any anomalies.
Because casino patrons are often tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other players or by themselves, the security staff of most casinos is large and well trained. In addition to the physical security force that patrols the floor, a separate specialized surveillance department oversees a closed circuit television system, sometimes called an “eye-in-the-sky,” which allows security workers to watch every table, window and doorway from a room filled with banks of security monitors.
A large part of a casino’s profit comes from high-stakes gamblers, who are often called “high rollers.” These people spend tens of thousands of dollars or more at the tables and slot machines. To entice them to stay longer, casinos offer comps, or free goods or services. These can include hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows or even limo service and airline tickets.
High-rollers also get special treatment. They are generally given rooms away from the main casino, where the noise and distractions are less distracting. They are usually provided with a personal host who can arrange for special food and drink. They can also make arrangements for private gambling sessions with dealers or pit bosses.
Casinos are designed to keep their patrons’ attention as long as possible and to minimize their awareness of time passing. Bright and sometimes gaudy wall and floor coverings are used, and red is a common color because it is thought to stimulate the senses and encourage gambling. There are usually no clocks on the casino walls, and lighting is carefully controlled to create a mood. Casinos are also full of aromas from the food and drinks served there, which helps keep them smelling fresh and inviting to patrons. They are also filled with music, which is pumped in to create an exciting and festive atmosphere. A large number of casino employees are highly trained to deal with these situations and to escort the high-stakes gamblers to their rooms safely. These employees are also responsible for making sure that the casino is meeting its financial obligations. Consequently, casinos can afford to provide lots of free alcohol to their patrons.