In the United States, a casino is a place where people can legally gamble on games of chance. Most of these establishments are integrated into hotels, resorts, or other entertainment complexes. Others are standalone gambling halls. In addition to gambling, casinos often offer other activities such as shows and dining. These activities are designed to distract players from their gambling activity and provide an opportunity to socialize with friends or coworkers.
Many casinos use advanced technology to monitor and audit their operations. For example, video cameras are used to oversee card games and slot machines, and electronic systems allow surveillance personnel to monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute, warning them of any statistical deviation from expected results. In addition to these technological measures, some casinos employ specialized security staff to detect and deter cheating and stealing.
Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other gamblers or on their own. Therefore, most casinos have strict security measures to prevent this. Security personnel patrol the floor to observe and investigate suspicious activity. In addition, some casinos have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one way glass, on the actions of the players at poker tables and slot machines.
In the United States, most states have legalized some form of casino gambling. The first commercial casinos opened in Atlantic City in the late 1970s, and the industry exploded as more state governments passed laws allowing them to operate. In the 1990s, Native American tribes also began converting their bingo halls into full-scale casinos. Today, there are more than 40 state-regulated casinos in the United States.