A casino is a building or room in which gambling activities are carried out. The term may also refer to the games played there, such as roulette, blackjack, and poker. Historically, casinos have been known as “gambling houses” (as in the British “gambling rooms”) or “houses of fun” (in American English).
A modern casino is equipped with security measures to prevent cheating and theft by patrons and staff. These include cameras throughout the establishment, which can be viewed on monitors in a security control room. Security personnel can adjust the camera focus to watch particular tables or areas, and they can view the results of slot machine spins. In addition, slot machines are wired to a central server, so any statistical deviations on the part of a player immediately show up on the computer screen.
Because large amounts of cash are handled in a casino, security measures are essential. In addition to cameras, some casinos use sophisticated systems that offer a high-tech eye-in-the-sky that allows security workers to monitor the entire casino at once.
The most famous casino in the world is Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which was built in the style of an ancient Roman amphitheater and boasts a stage for live entertainment that has hosted a long list of superstars, including Frank Sinatra (who was fired after a fight with management). In Macau, the gleaming Hotel Lisboa is designed to resemble a birdcage and features more than 1,000 slots and tables.