A casino is a gambling establishment. Some casinos offer a variety of games while others specialize in a particular type of game or feature specific decor. Casinos can be large or small, with a variety of tables and slot machines. Some also feature entertainment, shopping, hotels and other non-gambling attractions.
Casinos are a major source of income for many states and cities. The most famous casino in the world is Monte Carlo, which has featured in several books and movies. There are also several other casino sites in the United States, including the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City.
While a modern casino may have musical shows, lighted fountains, restaurants, hotels and other amenities, it would not exist without its main attraction: gambling. Games of chance such as blackjack, roulette, slots, craps, baccarat and poker generate the billions in profits that casinos bring in every year.
In addition to offering a wide variety of gambling options, most casinos have a full range of security measures. They employ security personnel and have high-tech surveillance systems. They often have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on casino patrons.
Something about casino gambling seems to encourage people to try to cheat or steal, rather than winning through random chance. The fact that casinos are usually located in areas with large populations and have a lot of money floating around encourages some to try to game the system. This is why the vast majority of casinos have a strong security presence, with cameras and other surveillance equipment in place.