A casino, or a gambling house, is an establishment that allows customers to gamble by playing games of chance. Often it is a large building or complex of rooms used for gambling, dining, entertainment, and other activities. Some casinos also include a hotel and retail shops.
In addition to the traditional table games like blackjack, roulette and poker, many casinos now feature a wide range of electronic machines. These electronic games are monitored and supervised by computer systems that keep track of the amount wagered minute by minute, alerting security staff if there is a deviation from the expected outcome. Some casinos employ a variety of other techniques to prevent cheating. For example, some use catwalks suspended over the casino floor to allow surveillance personnel to look down on the players through one-way mirrors.
The US is home to the largest number of casinos in the world. During the 1990s the industry experienced strong growth as states legalized casino gambling, opening new facilities and expanding existing ones. Many of these casinos are located in metropolitan areas and have become major tourist attractions. Some are built on Indian reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.
A famous casino is the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It is a legendary establishment that is based on Roman-inspired architecture, with the rooms decorated in a style that is both elegant and luxurious. It is a popular choice for celebrities and has been visited by stars such as Frank Sinatra, Liberace and Dolly Parton.