Casino (also known as gambling houses) are places where people can wager money or other valuables on a variety of games of chance. These establishments may be massive resort casinos or small card rooms in a local bar. Increasingly, some states are allowing casinos on Native American reservations and at racetracks to compete with Las Vegas, which remains the most popular destination for casino gambling.
Despite being legally prohibited for most of the nation’s history, casino gambling has become one of the largest industries in the United States. It is estimated that there are over 1,000 casinos in operation in the country. The Las Vegas valley has the highest concentration of them, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago.
Although casino gambling is often associated with vice and crime, it also generates significant tax revenue. A number of state and federal laws regulate the industry to protect players and ensure honesty. In addition, security personnel monitor patrons for signs of cheating or stealing. Because large sums of cash are handled, both patrons and employees may be tempted to steal, either in collusion or individually.
During the twentieth century, casino gambling expanded globally. In 2005, the average casino patron was a forty-six-year-old woman from households with above-average incomes. The most profitable patrons are referred to as high rollers and receive special treatment that can include free spectacular entertainment, transportation and luxury living quarters. Many casinos have incorporated advanced technology to improve security and accuracy. In one example, chips with microcircuitry enable casinos to track and record bets minute by minute. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect deviations from their expected results.