A casino is an establishment for gambling. Its exact origin is unknown, but it may be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire, and the Greek and Roman cultures. Modern casinos are usually built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for their live entertainment.
A variety of security measures are used to ensure the safety of patrons and property. In addition to standard security features, most casinos have specially trained staff and closed-circuit television systems. The amount of money handled in a casino makes it a tempting target for both customers and employees, who may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. Security measures are therefore taken to prevent this, with the most basic being cameras located throughout the building.
Many states and territories allow casinos, with Nevada being the most prominent. Its casinos are responsible for a significant share of the state’s economy, with Clark County (which contains Las Vegas) being the most populous gaming market in the United States. Other large gaming jurisdictions include Atlantic City, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; and Native American gaming centers.
Some places are famous for being casinos, such as Monte Carlo, the most well-known of which is in Monaco, and Dragonara Palace on the island of Malta. The latter is the largest casino in Europe by capacity. During World War II it was reputed to be a meeting point for spies, dispossessed royals, and wartime adventurers; it was featured in the film version of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Casino Royale.