A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various games of chance and skill. The casino business brings in billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them. Local and state governments also benefit from the tax revenue generated by casino gambling.
A modern casino is often a large building or room that houses multiple types of gambling activities. Its design and construction depend largely on the country and region in which it is located. For example, European casinos tend to be more luxurious and elegant than those in the United States. Many casinos have restaurants and bars, where patrons can dine and drink. The ambiance of a casino is often enhanced by music and lighting.
The casino industry relies heavily on customer satisfaction. To this end, casinos offer a variety of customer-focused incentives and rewards programs. These may include free rooms, meals, show tickets, and other perks. In 2005, the Harrah’s Entertainment company reported that the typical casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above average income.
Casinos are typically staffed by security personnel who patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of definite or suspected criminal activity. Depending on the size of the casino, there may be a dedicated physical security force and/or a specialized surveillance department that monitors activity via closed circuit television systems. In some cases, the cameras are angled so that security personnel can watch gambling activities from catwalks above the casino floor.