A Casino is a place that allows patrons to gamble, enjoy food and drinks and have the chance to win money. These facilities are found all over the world, though most are located in states with legalized gambling. Something about gambling seems to encourage people to cheat and steal, whether in collusion or independently. As a result, casinos spend a large amount of time and money on security measures.
In addition to cameras, casinos employ a variety of other technologies to keep their patrons safe. Often, chips have built-in microcircuitry that allow them to be tracked minute by minute and alert the house when a change is detected; roulette wheels are regularly monitored electronically to discover any statistical deviations from expected results. Many casinos also use computer software to track patrons’ play and award comps (free goods or services) based on how much money they are spending.
Although gambling may have begun as early as recorded history, the modern casino is an invention of the 20th century. It began in Nevada, where owners capitalized on the fact that people travel long distances to gamble and are willing to pay for accommodations, meals and entertainment while they are there. As other states saw the potential of drawing in tourism dollars, they too opened their doors to casinos. Today, there are more than 600 casinos in the United States. The largest concentration is in Las Vegas, with Atlantic City and New Jersey in close second and third.