A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming hall, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state laws and are commonly associated with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment attractions. Casinos are staffed by a variety of employees, from bartenders and waiters to dealers and security personnel. Patrons may gamble by placing bets against the house, against other players in poker games, or on events such as horse races and football games. Many casinos offer a mix of gaming options, including table games such as blackjack and roulette, and slot machines.
Casinos are often designed with high ceilings and one-way glass windows to allow surveillance staff to monitor activities within, without disrupting the flow of gambling activity. Modern technology has allowed casinos to superimpose video screens on the casino floor, giving management and security an instantaneous view of all patron activity. In addition, casino security has become increasingly sophisticated, with some casinos using chips with built-in microcircuitry that enable them to track the exact amount of money wagered on each game moment by moment; others electronically monitor the results of dice and roulette wheels to detect any statistical deviations from expected results.
Casinos have a reputation for being glamorous and luxurious, and many offer amenities that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Some casinos feature golf courses, spas, and live entertainment from top artists and local acts. Others have arcades, rooftop pools and water slides, and a wide selection of dining options, from breakfast bistros to award-winning steakhouses.
