Whether you’re hitting the slots, laying it all down on the roulette wheel or throwing dice at the craps table, casinos are a great way to satisfy a gambling craving. And most of them offer more than just the game you’re after: They also provide a stimulating atmosphere and plenty of perks designed to keep you gambling for as long as possible.
While many people think of Las Vegas when they hear the word casino, the term is actually much broader. Merriam-Webster defines it as a “building or room used for social amusements, specifically gambling.” As such, you can find casinos in cities and towns across the country and around the world.
In recent years, many states have amended their laws to permit casinos. Currently, most American casinos are found on American Indian reservations and in other places that have not been subject to state antigambling statutes. They can be very large and have lots of glitzy features, but they are mostly small businesses that depend on high volume and rapid play for their income.
Most casinos employ a wide range of security measures to prevent theft and cheating by both patrons and employees. Some use video cameras to monitor all activity throughout the facility; others monitor specific games and detect statistical deviations from expected results.
There are more than 250 casinos in the United States, including the newest in New York City. The largest is the Resorts World Casino in Queens, which covers 175,000 square feet over two floors and offers everything from jackpot machines to electronic table games.