What is a Casino?
A Casino is a place where people gamble and play games of chance. Most people think of a Las Vegas casino when they hear the term, but casinos can be found all over the world, from small businesses devoted to a single game to massive hotel/entertainment complexes. Many casinos also offer food, drink, shows and entertainment to attract visitors. Some are even dedicated to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
Some casino patrons try to cheat, steal or otherwise gain an advantage over the house, a situation that casinos spend much time and effort to avoid. Security cameras, a trained eye and well-enforced rules keep most people honest, although crooks do exist. Casinos often hire people to monitor the gaming floor, particularly at slot machines and table games, to watch for blatant cheating, palming or marking cards. Many have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down on activities through one-way glass. Table managers and pit bosses also have a wider view of the games and their patrons to see if they might be trying anything fishy.
The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the majority of the attractions (and profits for the owner) coming from gambling on games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games provide the billions of dollars that make casinos such a popular destination for tourists. Other features may include shopping centers, musical shows, lighted fountains and lavish hotels, but the gambling is what draws the crowds.