A casino is a place where people gamble and play games of chance. While some casinos offer a variety of entertainment, such as stage shows and gourmet restaurants, the bulk of a casino’s revenue comes from gambling activities such as black jack, roulette, craps, and poker. Casinos may also feature other gambling activities, such as bingo or keno.
As gambling became legalized in the United States, the casino industry began to expand. However, many legitimate businessmen were wary of getting involved because of gambling’s seamy image. As a result, organized crime figures poured money into Nevada casinos. They took sole or partial ownership of some casinos and influenced the outcomes of games.
In the 1990s, the casino industry increased its reliance on technology. Casinos used video cameras to monitor game play, and chips with built-in microcircuitry enabled them to keep track of the exact amounts being wagered minute by minute. Casinos also monitored their gaming tables to detect blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards and dice.
Many famous casinos offer lavish perks to lure in gamblers. For example, the Bellagio in Las Vegas features a fountain show and luxurious accommodations. The Monte-Carlo in Monaco is the most famous casino in Europe, while Casino Lisboa in Lisbon is the largest in the world. The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, is also home to a casino that attracts royalty and European aristocrats.