A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance for money, often with an element of skill. It is typically associated with glitz, glamour and luxury but also with seediness and sleaze. It is often legally regulated, and is known for its high-roller clientele. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been a part of human culture and history.
In the twentieth century, casinos expanded across the United States and internationally. By 2007, there were a total of sixty-two commercial casinos in the United States, with an additional eleven Native American casinos and thirty-six racetrack casinos offering electronic gaming devices. The largest concentration of casinos is in Nevada, followed by Atlantic City and the Chicago area.
Security is a major concern for casinos, since large amounts of cash are handled within the facility. Patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; for this reason, casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security measures. Cameras are a staple of casino security, and most casinos have numerous security personnel throughout the facility.
Casino employees are also frequently trained to spot blatant cheating and other violations of casino rules. Table managers and pit bosses are trained to watch for betting patterns that suggest cheating, and dealers are instructed not to palm cards or mark dice. Elaborate surveillance systems give security workers an “eye-in-the-sky” view of the entire casino floor, and computers are used to monitor table games for statistical deviations from expected results.