A casino (also known as a gambling house) is a building where people play games of chance for money. Typically, casinos also have restaurants, hotels, retail shops and other tourist attractions.
The History of the Casino
In the United States, the largest concentration of casinos is in Nevada and Atlantic City. Initially, the owners of these casinos sought to attract tourists by offering free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery.
Eventually, the casinos expanded to include more gaming tables and slot machines as well as higher-end dining options and hotels. They became a tourist attraction in their own right and a large source of revenue for the cities in which they were located.
Modern casinos have extensive security measures to ensure the safety of patrons. Usually, these security measures are split between a physical force and a specialized surveillance department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system.
Technology in the Casino
In addition to general security, casino casinos have been implementing technological advances to make their operations more efficient. For example, in “chip tracking,” betting chips with built-in microcircuitry interact with electronic systems in the games to allow casinos to monitor exact amounts wagered minute by minute.
Other technology includes automatic table game payouts based on the mathematically determined odds of the game, and automated versions of roulette and dice that do not require a dealer. These innovations have helped casinos to control their expenses and reduce their risk of crime.