A casino is a building or room where gambling activities take place. It may also refer to a collection of such buildings. The term is derived from the Latin casin
A number of modern casinos have been designed in the style of the famous belle époque palaces of Europe, particularly the Casino de Monte Carlo. These casinos often feature a grand interior decoration with baroque flourishes and a plethora of blackjack and roulette tables. The Mauro Codussi–designed Casino di Venezia is another example of this genre. It is situated in a scenic location on the Grand Canal of Venice, and guests arrive by boat.
Some casinos are also known for their live entertainment. The Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has hosted many legendary performances by celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Cher, Rod Stewart and Elton John, who all performed at the Circus Maximus showroom.
Besides offering gambling opportunities, casinos also serve food and drinks to their clients. Some casinos are open around the clock and have a full service staff. Others offer more limited hours and only operate during certain events or holidays. Typically, the number of casino staff is proportional to the size and scope of the gaming operations. Modern casinos are equipped with electronic security measures to prevent cheating, either by patrons or casino employees. Usually, these measures are combined with physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments.
