A casino is a gambling establishment offering a wide range of gambling activities. It may be a standalone facility or part of a larger complex that also includes hotels, restaurants and retail shopping. Some casinos offer a mix of gaming options, including slot machines and table games like blackjack and roulette. Some offer live entertainment and events. Many casinos are located in tourist destinations.
When most people think of a casino, they envision the megaresorts in Las Vegas, but casinos come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small businesses defined more by their types of gambling than by glitz and glamour.
Casinos attract customers by offering perks designed to encourage and reward gambling activity. These are commonly known as comps and can include free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, or even airfare. Casinos make their money by taking a percentage of bettors’ wagers or charging a fee to play certain games. They often feature multiple betting stations and 60 large plasma TVs where patrons can place bets on American football, boxing and other sports.
Security in a casino starts on the floor, where employees watch games and patrons carefully to spot cheating or stealing. Dealers are heavily trained to detect blatant tactics like palming or marking cards. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view of the tables and can spot suspicious betting patterns. Most casinos also employ surveillance teams to monitor casino video for signs of crime.