Casino is a gambling establishment that offers various types of games of chance and is operated by a croupier or dealer. Casinos offer a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. Some casinos also have electronic gaming machines. Casinos also have security measures to prevent cheating and theft, both by patrons and employees. These measures may include catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down on the activities of players and slot machines through one-way glass.
Modern casinos have two main security departments: a physical security force that patrols the casino floor and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity, and a specialized surveillance department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system (CCTV) known as “the eye in the sky”. Many casinos also employ a combination of surveillance techniques, such as hidden cameras and video feeds from sleeve-mounted CCTV lenses.
In addition to providing a variety of games, a casino also provides food and beverage services, often with a theme. For example, a casino themed after the wilderness adventure or hockey might feature food and beverages associated with those subjects. Casinos may also host entertainment such as concerts or comedy shows. Many casinos are located near popular tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas or Niagara Falls. Some are even built directly on top of natural features such as mountains or lakes. These casinos are called integrated resorts.