A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is a place where people can gamble. Some casinos specialize in specific games while others offer a variety of gambling activities. Some casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops or cruise ships. The term casino may also be used to refer to a place that hosts live entertainment events, such as concerts or stand-up comedy.
A major component of many casino operations is security. Since large amounts of money are handled within casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. This can be done either in collusion or independently, and most casinos employ a number of security measures to deter such activity. Security cameras located throughout the casino are a common sight.
There are three general categories of casino games: Gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, allow patrons to play against the machine without involving a dealer or other personnel. Table games, such as blackjack or craps, involve one or more players competing against the casino rather than each other, and are conducted by croupiers or dealers. Random number games, such as bingo or keno, are based on the selection of random numbers.
Casinos feature a wide range of table games including baccarat, poker and roulette. In addition, some casinos have a full-service sports book where you can bet on a variety of sporting events. Whether you’re looking for a taste of Italy at the Venetian, or want to try your luck with a 10,000-gallon shark tank at the Golden Nugget, there is sure to be a casino that meets your needs.