A casino is a public place where games of chance are played and gambling is the primary activity. Some casinos add luxuries like restaurants, free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery to attract customers but the vast majority of revenue is generated by gaming activities.

Casinos are often heavily regulated to ensure fair play and player safety. They employ sophisticated surveillance systems, including a network of cameras that can track every table, window and doorway, as well as a room filled with bank of security monitors where security personnel can review the footage and focus on suspicious patrons. Most importantly, they have rules and regulations governing how gamblers must interact with each other and the game they are playing.

In addition to their rules and regulations, most casinos have policies that reward loyal gamblers with free merchandise and other perks. These incentives are called comps. They can include hotel rooms, free show tickets, buffet dinners and reduced-fare transportation. These rewards encourage people to return and spend more money.

Most casinos also have special rooms for high rollers, who are the highest-spending gamblers. These high rollers are given the most luxurious perks and are offered a variety of gambling credits and deluxe services. In return for their large bets, high rollers help the casinos to make more profits. They have the option to choose from a wide selection of casino games and can even try their hand at other activities, such as billiards and karaoke.