A casino is a gambling establishment where you can gamble with cash, typically in exchange for chips that can be used to play games. Most people associate casinos with Las Vegas or Atlantic City, but as states legalize gambling more establishments are popping up. A casino is also a place where entertainment shows and food are available for those who are not gambling.
In the past, casinos were often associated with organized crime. Mob money funded expansion and renovation and helped give them a reputation for glamour and excitement. Mob members would also take sole or part ownership of some casinos and could even rig games and manipulate the odds.
The large amounts of money handled within a casino can make patrons and staff tempted to cheat or steal. That’s why most casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Cameras placed throughout the casino help monitor what is going on. Security workers also follow routines and patterns that can help spot when something is off.
If you are a big player at a casino, you may be eligible for comps, or complimentary goods and services. These can include hotel rooms, free meals and tickets to shows. Ask a casino employee or someone at the information desk for details. They’ll be happy to explain how the casino rates players, and which machines are “hot”. Be sure to tip them well, though; they work hard for their tips.