The word casino brings to mind images of glitzy, glamorous gambling dens populated by high-rollers and high-stakes gamblers. From the Monte Carlo in Monaco to Macau in China, there are plenty of casinos around the world that offer a taste of luxury. But you don’t have to be a high-roller to enjoy the casino experience. The most exclusive casinos offer opulent suites, spas and fine dining alongside roulette wheels and blackjack tables.
There are some places that are almost defined by their casinos. In Europe, the classic example is Monte Carlo, which first opened its doors in 1863. The casino is still a major source of revenue for the principality and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Monte Carlo casino has also been featured in several films and books including Ben Mezrich’s Busting Vegas, where a group of MIT students beat the house edge at the casino to win more than $1 million.
Many states in the United States now have legalized casinos, and the number continues to rise as more people seek out a safer and more convenient way to wager money. Nevada leads the pack, with over 1,000 casinos, followed by Atlantic City and Chicago. Most of these casinos are located in urban areas with a large tourist population, and they are primarily focused on slot machines and table games.
Most modern casinos have a specialized department for security that works closely with the gaming operation. This department may have a physical security force that patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or suspicious activity, as well as a manned surveillance system that monitors activity on the floor via closed circuit television. Some casinos have catwalks on the ceiling above the gaming floor that allow security to look directly down, through one-way glass, at players’ activities at the tables and slot machines.
In the United States, casinos are regulated by state law and monitored by the state gaming commission. Those that operate a casino are required to have a license and meet certain minimum standards for facility, equipment and staffing. Casinos must also adhere to strict security policies, which include background checks and monitoring of game play.
In addition to the traditional array of table and slot machine games, many casinos feature sports betting. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, for instance, has 60 plasma TV’s where guests can place bets on American football, boxing, martial arts and soccer. Guests can also purchase drinks and snacks from the bar while watching the action. Whether you prefer to play poker, slots or sports, the MGM Grand has it all.
