A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming palace, is an establishment that houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are often associated with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. They may also be standalone facilities. The United States has the largest number of casinos, followed by Canada and Mexico. Many states have laws against casino gambling, but some allow it on Indian reservations or on land leased by the state.
In modern casino operations, a physical security force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. A specialized surveillance department monitors the casino’s closed circuit television system. The head of casino security often oversees both departments.
The glitzy Hotel Lisboa in Macau is one of the world’s most famous casino/hotel combos, with a towering structure that looks and feels like a birdcage. It has a wide variety of games and recently hired one of the world’s top chefs to add a gourmet dimension to its food offerings.
In Las Vegas, the storied MGM Grand is a magnet for hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies. This casino has all the usual table and slot machines, plus a lively area for sports betting with 60 plasma screens. The hotel also offers high-end shopping and fine dining.
