A casino is an establishment where people can play games of chance or skill. It can also have a variety of entertainment offerings, such as musical shows or lighted fountains. Casinos draw people in with the promise of a good time and can earn billions of dollars in profits each year.
Modern casinos are heavily reliant on technology, especially for security purposes. Elaborate surveillance systems allow casinos to keep track of every table, window and doorway. Casinos also monitor game results via sophisticated computer systems that detect any statistical deviation from expected values. In addition, casino tables are designed with built-in microcircuitry that allows computers to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any discrepancies in their predicted results.
The popularity of casino gambling has led to a proliferation of such facilities throughout the country. In fact, one can find a casino within a few hours drive of most Americans. The casinos of today are often owned by hotel chains or real estate investors with deep pockets, enabling them to purchase out mob-owned operations. Mob involvement in casinos has declined, but federal crackdowns and the prospect of losing a gaming license at even the slightest hint of mob ties keep the gangsters from reclaiming their old territory.