A casino, also known as a gambling house or gaming establishment, is a place where people can gamble. Casinos often offer table games, such as blackjack and roulette, as well as video poker and craps. Some casinos may also feature sports betting or other types of live entertainment.
Some casinos, such as those in Las Vegas, feature a variety of luxury amenities and facilities. These may include five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and designer shops. In addition, some casinos may also host high-profile entertainment events, such as concerts or stand-up comedy.
Because of the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino, security is a significant concern. Both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; for this reason, most casinos employ various security measures. These typically include surveillance cameras located throughout the facility.
In addition to surveillance, some casinos utilize advanced technological systems to monitor the actual games themselves. For example, some casinos use chips with built-in microcircuitry that allow them to track the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute, and to quickly discover any statistical deviation from expected results; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to ensure that they are operating properly.
Most casinos offer a wide range of table games, including roulettes and dice games like baccarat and craps. Card games such as poker are also popular, and casinos occasionally offer specialized tournaments for them. Some casinos, particularly those in Asia, also feature traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo, fan-tan, and pai gow.