A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Usually, casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops and other tourist attractions. Many states have passed laws that allow casino-style gambling. In the United States, there are now more than 3,000 legal gambling establishments.
Something about the presence of large sums of money seems to encourage people to cheat or steal their way into a jackpot, so casinos spend a lot of time and effort on security. Elaborate surveillance systems are used; cameras in the ceiling have a “eye-in-the-sky” view of the whole casino and can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons. Table dealers, pit bosses and other casino employees are trained to look for betting patterns that might signal cheating.
Most casinos use a variety of tricks to attract gamblers and keep them there. For example, they often use bright colors to stimulate the senses and they may decorate with gaudy sculptures and imitation landmarks. Over 15,000 miles of neon tubing are used to light up the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Some casinos even employ a special sound system tuned to the musical key of C, which is believed to entice the human ear.
Most casinos offer free food, drinks and shows to lure in players and to make them stay longer. Casinos also provide a wide range of gambling options, including a number of electronic games. They have separate areas for high rollers, who are allowed to place bets in the tens of thousands of dollars. These gamblers are often given complimentary rooms and services.