Casino (sometimes referred to as the “gambling house” or “gambling hall”) is an establishment where people can gamble and win money. In the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate. In addition to gambling, some casinos also offer restaurants, retail shopping, and other tourist attractions.

In the twenty-first century, casinos are focusing their investments on big bettors, or “high rollers.” These high-rollers often gamble in special rooms away from the main floor, and can spend tens of thousands of dollars in a single visit. In return for their large bets, casinos give these patrons “comps”-free goods and services such as hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows, or limo service and airline tickets.

Casino security is usually divided into a physical force and a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious activity. The latter operates the closed circuit television system, sometimes called the “eye in the sky.” The camera systems can be adjusted to focus on particular patrons or areas of the casino, and they are often recorded on video tape for later review.

The first modern casinos were built over a hundred years ago, and they have been changing ever since. Once upon a time, the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden hosted European royalty and aristocracy, who reveled in its baroque flourishes and elegant poker rooms. Nowadays, the town draws a more diverse crowd, and its casino is among the most luxurious in Europe.