A casino is a place where people gamble in games of chance. It can include tables conducted by live dealers or simulated ones, as well as machines where the players bet against each other. It can also feature video poker and other games of skill. In the United States, the term is used primarily for those games that have an element of chance and are played against the house, rather than against other players, such as roulette, baccarat, and blackjack.
Casinos earn billions each year for their owners, investors, companies, and Native American tribes. They also generate taxes, fees, and other payments for the state and local governments in which they operate. They are often located in opulent and exotic locations, and bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings are designed to stimulate and cheer the patrons. Clocks are usually not displayed, as the casino experience is meant to make the patron forget the passing of time.
The first casinos arose in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century in Nevada, where gambling was legalized. As casinos became more common, they spread across the nation. Many casinos were run by organized crime figures, who had the funds to support them. During the 1990s, technology dramatically increased the efficiency and security of casinos. For example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to oversee wagers minute by minute and alert them to any discrepancy; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly for statistical deviations from expected results.