A casino is a gambling establishment where gamblers place bets on various games of chance for money or other prizes. Some casinos are more famous than others for their luxurious facilities, and many are often featured in popular films and television shows. Some of the most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas, Monaco, and Macau.
A modern casino is usually supervised by a gaming commission and features a number of gambling tables, slot machines, and other attractions. A full-service casino also includes a restaurant, bar, and live entertainment. Some casinos have catwalks built into the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on the activities at the gambling tables and slot machines.
The word “casino” is derived from the Latin for little house. Originally, it was used to describe a public hall for music and dancing; by the second half of the 19th century, it had come to refer to a collection of gaming or gambling rooms. The first modern casinos appeared in the United States, and were generally established on American Indian reservations that were exempt from state antigambling laws.
Some of the world’s largest casinos are located in Las Vegas and Macau, east Asia’s version of Sin City. Featuring opulent furnishings and overflowing bars, these temples of temptation elevate gambling to an art form. They also offer five-star hotel accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, and top-billed shows that range from high-flying circus acts to the latest musician concerts topping the Billboard charts.