A casino is a building that houses gambling games. Casinos are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, and cruise ships. Some are known for hosting live entertainment. The precise origin of gambling is unknown, but it has long been an integral part of human culture. Gambling is legal in some jurisdictions and prohibited in others. Some governments have outlawed it altogether, while others endorse it to varying degrees and regulate its practice.

Casinos are a popular tourist attraction and some are famous for their architecture, entertainment, and nightlife. Some are located in major cities, while others are spread out across the country and offer a more intimate experience for players. The Cosmopolitan, a luxury hotel and casino in Las Vegas, is renowned for its bold and sexy design. Its 3,000 rooms feature outdoor balconies, 21 miles of crystal beads at The Chandelier bar, and a visually stimulating Marquee Nightclub. The hotel also has a refined tropical motif and is the site of several restaurants from celebrity chefs.

Something about the casino environment seems to encourage cheating, stealing and other illegal activity. That’s why casinos spend a huge amount of time, effort and money on security. Security personnel patrol the floor and watch patrons closely, noticing any suspicious behavior that might signal a cheating attempt. Elaborate surveillance systems use cameras in the ceiling to give security workers a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” view of the entire casino. They can even zoom in on a particular table or machine and adjust the camera’s focus to better monitor for suspicious activities.