A casino is a gambling establishment that houses games of chance and wagering. It may also offer restaurants, shops, shows or other entertainment. Casinos vary in size, from the huge resorts on the Las Vegas Strip to small card rooms. Some casinos are incorporated into hotel towers or are on cruise ships, while others stand alone. In modern times casinos use technology to control the gaming process, monitor game play and keep records. Security personnel are trained to spot suspicious behavior by players and to identify potential criminal activity. The large amounts of money handled by casino employees and patrons make them a target for theft, either in collusion or independently; hence the need for security. Casinos have a variety of ways to prevent theft, including video surveillance, electronic monitoring systems and random auditing.

Casinos bring in billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors and Native American tribes that operate them. They also provide jobs and boost the economy in areas where they are located. Casinos contribute to the tourism industry and have helped to revitalize many cities.

Successful casinos attract millions of visitors each year. Some casinos specialize in attracting high rollers, who gamble with larger stakes. These people are known as “good” players and receive perks, such as free meals and show tickets, in return for their loyalty. Casinos may also offer limo service and airline tickets to top spenders. In the 1970s, some Las Vegas casinos promoted cheap travel packages and offered buffets for free to lure in customers. Today, the most successful casinos are very selective about who they allow to gamble and invest a lot of money in customer service.