A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is an institution that allows patrons to gamble on games of chance. Casinos are most commonly found in the United States, but are also present in some countries around the world. In the United States, casinos are usually located in areas regulated by state law to ensure integrity and security. The games offered at a casino may vary, but most include blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. In addition to these traditional casino games, some casinos feature a variety of entertainment, including live music and comedy shows.
Casinos are in business to make money, and they generate billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them. They also provide millions of jobs in the United States and are an important source of revenue for local governments and communities.
Despite their reputation for glamour, casinos are not without their problems. The high volume of currency handled within a casino can create opportunities for cheating and theft, both in collusion between patrons and between the casino staff and outsiders. To mitigate these risks, most casinos have some form of surveillance system, with cameras placed throughout the facility to monitor activity.
Casinos attempt to stimulate gambling by providing perks designed to encourage and reward spending, particularly by large bettors. In 2005, for example, a Harrah’s survey of over 2,000 American adults reported that the average casino gambler was a forty-six-year-old female with above-average income. These perks include free spectacular entertainment, reduced-fare transportation and hotel rooms, complimentary drinks and cigarettes while gambling, and other inducements.