Casinos use elaborate surveillance systems to keep patrons and employees safe. A camera mounted on the ceiling watches over every table and doorway, and video feeds are recorded for later review. The payouts at slot machines are determined by computer chips, making it easy to see when someone is tampering with the games. The casino also keeps track of employees’ movements. If a person is acting suspiciously, they can be flagged and questioned.

During the 1950s, the gambling industry grew in Nevada. Though many legitimate businessmen were hesitant to invest in casinos, as they were illegal in every other state, organized crime figures had plenty of cash from their illegal rackets and did not mind gambling’s seamy image. These individuals poured money into the casino industry, including some of the casinos owned by members of the mafia. This led to a debate about the positive and negative impacts of casinos, as many states struggled with budget deficits and unemployment.

Because casinos are such a large investment, their interior design must be equally exciting. Many casinos are designed to keep patrons entertained while minimizing the passing time. The interior decor in a casino can vary widely, but they generally strive to convey a sense of opulence. Lush carpets complement carefully designed lighting, and large prize displays are prominently displayed. Many casinos also install security cameras. Casinos on the legendary Las Vegas strip take this to an entirely new level.