A casino (or gaming establishment) is an institution for certain types of gambling. Most casinos are located in major tourist destinations and are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other entertainment facilities. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state law. Most states regulate the number of casino visitors and prohibit gambling by minors. Some states also have laws limiting the amount of money that can be won or lost at a casino.
Gambling in some form has been part of human civilization for millennia, with evidence dating back as far as 2300 BC China. Modern-day casinos are usually large, luxurious buildings that feature multiple gaming tables and thousands of slot machines. Some casinos, such as the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, are world-renowned for their elegance and have been featured in numerous novels and films. Other casinos, such as the Kurhaus of Baden-Baden in Germany and Sun City in South Africa, offer a more holistic luxury experience by offering a mix of non-gambling activities.
Casinos use technology to ensure that the games are fair and that patrons are not defrauded. For example, in table games like blackjack and roulette, electronic systems monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute, and can discover any deviations from the expected results immediately. In addition, some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one way glass, on the activity at the tables and slots.
