A casino is a place where people can gamble on games of chance or skill. Various types of casino games exist, including blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. A casino might also feature stage shows or other live entertainment. Many casinos are integrated with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. Alternatively, some are stand-alone facilities.
Gambling is the main source of revenue for a casino, and it draws many customers from the surrounding area. The ambiance is designed around noise, light and excitement, and the floor is often covered with gaudy red carpeting which is thought to stimulate gambling activity. Guests are encouraged to shout out encouragement, and alcohol is freely available. Some casinos have special rooms for high-stakes players that are separate from the main gambling floor. These rooms usually offer better service and higher payouts.
Although some casino employees might be tempted to cheat or steal, the amount of money handled within the facility makes this relatively unlikely. Security measures include cameras and highly trained personnel. Some casinos have catwalks which allow surveillance staff to look down through one-way glass at activities on the casino floor below.
The casino business was once controlled by organized crime, which had the money to invest in the luxuries that would attract gamblers and give them an adrenaline rush. But federal crackdowns and the fear of losing a gambling license at any hint of mob involvement forced legitimate businesses to buy out the mobsters and take control of the casinos.
