A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It is also known as a gaming house or a gambling club. In addition to offering a variety of gaming options, many casinos feature world class entertainment and sporting events. These activities are often combined into one destination with hotels, restaurants, shopping, cruise ships, etc.
Modern casinos have sophisticated security systems to deter theft and cheating by patrons or staff. These measures include a combination of physical and electronic security. The most common physical security measure is the presence of a casino guard. In addition to this, many casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down at the games via one-way glass. The specialized electronic security system is sometimes called the eye in the sky.
In the United States, casinos are largely located in Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Chicago, Illinois. Other locations, including riverboats and American Indian reservations, have casinos as well. Most of these casinos are licensed by state gaming control boards and operate under the supervision of those boards.
The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, was a playground for European royalty and aristocracy 150 years ago. Today it draws tourists from around the world who are drawn by its stunning architecture and luxurious facilities, including its casino. It has a casino floor that is as large as three football fields and offers an incredible variety of games. Its patrons receive free drinks, stage shows and spectacular scenery. They are also offered generous “comp” rewards, such as hotel rooms, tickets to shows and reduced-fare transportation and lodging.