A Guide to Casinos
Gambling, in all its varied forms—from the simple act of betting with a bookie to the elaborate spectacle of a multi-million dollar casino—has been a part of human society for millennia. From ancient Mesopotamia to Napoleon’s France, the thrill of winning and the agony of losing are universal. While the precise origin of gambling is unknown, the first casinos appeared around the same time as the development of civilization itself.
A modern casino’s security force is usually divided into a physical security team that patrols the building and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or criminal activity, and a specialized surveillance department which operates the casino’s closed circuit television (CCTV) system. These departments work closely together to ensure the safety and security of casino patrons, staff, and assets.
The word casino derives from the Latin cazino, meaning “little house.” These early establishments were typically small and contained only a few tables or slot machines. Over the years, casinos have grown in size and scope. They are now designed to be entertainment destinations that rival the world’s top hotels and resorts, featuring gourmet restaurants, spectacular water shows, state-of-the-art poker rooms, high-end shopping and luxurious accommodations.
In the United States, the largest casino is located in Las Vegas. In addition to slot machines and table games, it features an impressive selection of entertainment acts—everyone from Cirque du Soleil to the latest Billboard chart-topping musicians. Moreover, the casino is home to a variety of restaurants and bars.
Other major casinos are located in cities such as Atlantic City, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; and Reno, Nevada. Some of these are primarily casino-based, while others feature other forms of gambling, such as racetracks or retail outlets.
Caesars Palace, in Vegas, is the most famous casino. Its circus-inspired Circus Maximus Showroom has hosted a wide range of performers, from Frank Sinatra to Celine Dion. The venue also houses a magnificent Colosseum where legendary entertainers such as Elton John and Bette Midler have made their mark.
There are more than a thousand casinos in the United States, and many are quite large. For example, the Golden Nugget Lake Charles offers a full complement of gaming options, including Las Vegas-style slots and table games. The facility is also known for its sportsbook and boasts Louisiana’s biggest poker room. The Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Northern Nevada is another big player, with a dedicated keno lounge as well as an array of table games and poker. The property is also home to a DraftKings Sportsbook. A few smaller casinos are scattered throughout the country. In general, a larger casino can offer more types of game and better odds. However, it can be harder to get in and out of a smaller facility quickly. This is because there are fewer available parking spaces and a smaller floor area to move about. On the other hand, a smaller casino can be more intimate and less crowded.