By adminzonk889 A casino is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played. It may be a standalone building or a resort complex with hotels, restaurants and other amenities. In general, casinos offer a number of games, including blackjack, roulette, slot machines and video poker.
The history of casinos dates back to the 16th century, when a gambling craze swept Europe. Italian aristocrats would spend time in places called ridotti, where they enjoyed a variety of gambling activities.
Today, casinos are primarily found in the United States and in countries such as China, Thailand and Indonesia. They are typically large, luxurious resorts that feature a full range of games and luxury amenities.
There are also some smaller, more intimate casinos scattered around the world. These are often operated by a single owner or company and are based on the traditional concept of a hotel with gaming rooms.
Many modern casinos employ a dual security system to protect the property and patrons. They have both a physical security force that patrols the casino floor and responds to calls for help, as well as a specialized surveillance department that monitors the activity of players at the tables and slots with a closed circuit television system.
Besides these two types of security, casinos also have a wide array of tools and technologies to prevent crime. For example, they may install catwalks above the casino floor to allow surveillance personnel to look down and see what is going on at the tables and slots.