A casino is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. Those games of chance generally involve some element of skill, although there are some exceptions. Casinos also offer other amenities to attract gamblers, such as restaurants, free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery. In addition to gambling, casinos may have retail outlets and other entertainment offerings, such as a swank nightclub or Hermes or Chanel boutiques. Casinos are most often located in Nevada and Atlantic City, but can also be found on Native American reservations and in other states that allow them.
Gambling is a popular pastime for many people. However, it can be dangerous, especially if done in excess. Because of this, casinos have strict security measures to ensure the safety of their patrons. This security usually involves a combination of physical and specialized surveillance departments. Modern casinos often employ a system of closed circuit television, known as the eye in the sky, to monitor activity within the facility.
In the past, organized crime figures provided much of the money for Reno and Las Vegas casinos. Because of this, the mobsters were able to control the outcomes of some games. However, legitimate businessmen with deep pockets soon realized the potential of the industry, and were able to buy out the mobs. This helped to sanitize the reputation of the casino business, and federal crackdowns on mobsters have made it harder for them to influence game results.