Casinos are gambling halls that offer a wide variety of games. They can be large or small, feature traditional slot machines or modern video poker, or include table games like blackjack and roulette. Many casinos also offer food and beverage services, live entertainment or closed-circuit broadcasts, and other amenities. They are a popular destination for people seeking a break from their daily routines and the chance to win money or prizes.

The concept of casinos has expanded rapidly since they first appeared in Atlantic City, New Jersey in the 1970s. As the success of these gambling meccas spread, more states began to permit casino gambling. By the 1990s, technology had dramatically improved both security and game play. Casinos now use computerized systems to monitor bets minute by minute and to detect any statistical deviation from expected results. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored and the results of slot machine games are recorded and stored.

While many people think of seedy backroom gambling parlors when they hear the word casino, the majority of casinos are safe and clean places that provide a fun atmosphere with food, drink and live entertainment. Moreover, the majority of casino gamblers are middle to upper class families with above average incomes. Harrah’s, for instance, reports that in 2005 the average casino gambler was a forty-six year old female with above-average income. The casino industry caters to these types of customers by offering them comps that can include free spectacular entertainment, luxury rooms, transportation, and lavish personal attention.