A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it is widely believed to have developed in many societies over the millennia. Many casinos offer slot machines and other games of chance, along with live entertainment such as concerts and stand-up comedy. A smaller number of casinos specialize in poker, baccarat, or other card games.
A small number of cities are well known for their casinos. Las Vegas, Nevada, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, are two such places. Monte Carlo, Monaco, is a famous casino and has been featured in several films. Other famous casinos include the Dragonara Palace on the island of Malta, which was formerly the Princely Palace of Dragonara; and the Casino Estoril on the Portuguese Riviera, which is Europe’s largest casino by capacity.
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 each other or independently. To prevent this, modern casinos have various security measures in place. These usually include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. Casinos also enforce rules of conduct and behavior, such as requiring players at card games to keep their cards visible at all times.
A recent scandal in the United States related to a company that sells casino chips has resulted in calls for federal regulation of the industry. Some states, such as Florida, have responded by passing laws regulating the sale of casino chips in their jurisdiction.
