What Is a Casino?

A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance. It can be a massive resort or a small card room. Regardless of size, successful casinos draw in billions each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own and operate them, as well as state and local governments that reap taxes and fees. In addition to gaming, many casinos offer other amenities such as restaurants, hotel rooms, and entertainment.

Gambling in a casino involves the risk of losing money, so it is important for patrons and staff to be able to trust each other. As a result, casinos spend a lot of time and effort on security. The most obvious measure is video cameras that monitor the activities of the casino floor. More sophisticated casinos employ a variety of technology to prevent cheating and theft. In one example, “chip tracking” enables casinos to follow the exact amounts placed on roulette and other tables minute by minute and immediately detect any statistical deviation from expected results.

In addition to security measures, some casinos are choosy about who they let gamble inside their facilities. They may have special rooms for high rollers, who spend tens of thousands of dollars per hour at the tables. In return, these big players get comps — free goods and services such as meals, hotel rooms, tickets to shows, or limo service. They also pay lower table minimums than other players. These arrangements are a way for casinos to make money while encouraging responsible gambling by restricting access to those who can afford it.