A casino is a place where people can gamble. Some casinos are also known as gambling houses or gaming rooms. They may offer a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. Many casinos have restaurants and bars. Some also feature entertainment such as shows and concerts. In the United States, the most famous casino is in Las Vegas. Other major casinos are in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.

Something about the environment of a casino encourages cheating and stealing, either in collusion with other patrons or by individuals acting on their own. This is why most casinos have substantial security forces and monitor the patrons closely. Security personnel typically divide into a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The specialized department operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, sometimes called “the eye in the sky.” The physical security force patrols the casino floor and responds to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.

Casinos strive to attract and keep gamblers by offering perks such as free food and drinks, hotel rooms, and show tickets. They often give these inducements to big bettors, aiming to maximize the number of players and revenue generated by them. Many casinos also reward loyalty with comps, which are free goods or services.

Despite their lure of riches, most casinos have net negative economic effects on their communities. They divert money from other forms of local entertainment and, in the case of problem gamblers, cost taxpayers for treatment programs and lost productivity. This is why some state legislators are calling for a rethink of the current casino model.