Whether you’re staking your money on the roulette wheel, putting on your best poker face or throwing dice at the craps table, a casino is where gambling aficionados go to scratch their gambling itch. But the best casinos aren’t just about a great game selection, they also offer delicious food, cocktails, rooftop pools and even concerts. These amenities aim to keep gamblers betting and, ultimately, coming back.

During the 1990s, casinos dramatically increased the use of technology to supervise their games. For instance, in the case of baccarat, where players compete against the house rather than other players, electronic systems monitor each bet minute-by-minute to ensure that the odds are being met (notice how they are different from blackjack, which is a skill game). In addition, some casinos have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down through one-way glass at gamblers at tables and slot machines.

Casinos are regulated and audited by government bodies to prevent cheating and fraud. They usually have a physical security force and a specialized department of surveillance. They are heavily armed and have high-tech video surveillance.

The classic example of a casino is Monte Carlo, which has been open since 1863 and is the source of much of Monaco’s wealth. In addition to gambling, Monte Carlo offers beaches, luxury ports, Formula 1 motor racing and other entertainment. Other famous casinos include those in Singapore, Macau and Atlantic City.