A casino, also known as a gaming establishment or gambling hall, is a facility for the playing of certain types of games. Typically, casinos contain slot machines, table games and poker. Some, such as the Bellagio, are so famous that they have been featured in Hollywood movies like Ocean’s 11. The word casino is Spanish for “a place to gamble.”
Modern casinos use a variety of technology to monitor and control their games. For example, slot machines are wired to a central computer system that can track each spin’s outcome and warn of anomalies; betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that communicates with the electronic systems at tables to oversee the exact amounts placed minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored for statistical deviations from their expected results. This sort of work is usually done by mathematicians and computer programmers who specialize in gaming analysis.
In addition to the obvious risks to players, casinos are prone to cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. Security measures are therefore essential, and many casinos employ a team of specialized criminal investigators called gaming analysts to look for irregularities. Other security measures include requiring patrons to pass through metal detectors, and restricting the movement of money and merchandise within the casino. Due to these risks, some states have strict laws regulating the operations of casinos. Casinos are also found on some American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state antigambling statutes.