A Casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance to its patrons. It can also offer food, drinks and entertainment. The games are regulated by the laws of each jurisdiction where they are played. Casinos are often built in a scenic or exotic location to attract gamblers.
Gambling probably dates back to the earliest days of recorded history, with primitive protodice and carved six-sided dice found in archaeological sites [Source: Schwartz]. But it took until the 16th century for casinos to develop, as places where people could find all manner of gambling activities under one roof.
Today’s casinos have extensive security measures in place to protect the integrity of the games and the money being wagered. These usually include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The former patrols the premises and responds to calls for help or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity; the latter operates the closed circuit television system that keeps an eye on everything from the floor and the tables to the throngs of players at the machines.
Something about the large amounts of cash being handled within a casino makes both patrons and staff alike prone to cheating, stealing and scamming their way into a jackpot. That’s why casinos spend so much time, effort and money on security. Aside from the obvious camera systems, there are also floor-to-ceiling windows that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one-way glass, on the games and the patrons.
