A casino, also called a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place where people can play various games of chance for money. The term is most commonly associated with Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but there are casinos in a number of states as well. These casinos offer a variety of games, from traditional table games like blackjack and roulette to newer electronic options. Some casinos also have live entertainment and a hotel.

Although many casinos feature shows, fine dining and shopping centers, the vast majority of their profits come from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat are the most popular games and generate billions of dollars in profits every year. Other games, such as poker and keno, have lower payouts but still provide a significant portion of the revenue.

Because of the large amount of money handled in a casino, security is an important issue. Casinos employ both physical and specialized surveillance departments. These staffs work together to patrol the property and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious activity. Casinos also use cameras to monitor the activities of players at table games. The routines and expected movements of these players follow certain patterns, making it easy for casino surveillance personnel to spot unusual behavior.

Many casinos have special rewards programs for high rollers, or “big bettors.” These players are offered free hotel rooms, dinners, tickets to shows and even limo service for trips around town. The rewards are meant to encourage big bettors to return often and increase their overall spending, which in turn increases the casino’s profits.