A casino (or gaming house) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports matches. In military and non-military usage, a casino or ca
The casino industry has grown dramatically since its inception in Nevada in the 1950s. As the number of casinos grew, owners sought funds to finance expansion and renovation to lure more gamblers. Legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in the industry because of its seamy image. Organized crime figures, however, were willing to take a chance on the new business and provided the necessary capital. The mob’s involvement in Reno and Las Vegas casinos was not limited to simply providing the money for expansion; mobsters took control of some casinos, influenced decisions by managers and even physically intimidated or threatened dealers and other employees.
Many casinos offer a variety of gambling activities, including poker rooms, blackjack tables, and slot machines. In addition, some casinos have restaurants, bars, and theaters. Some casinos have a high-tech eye-in-the-sky surveillance system that monitors all of the casino’s activities from a room filled with security screens. The system is capable of detecting a variety of suspicious activity, from cheating at table games to changing or marking cards or dice. In addition, the cameras can be shifted to focus on specific patrons who are suspected of engaging in suspicious behavior.