A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance and some requiring skill. These include roulette, blackjack, craps, baccarat, poker, and video poker. A few casinos also offer additional entertainment options such as shows, spas, and restaurants. Some of the largest casinos in the world are located in Las Vegas. Others can be found in cities around the globe.
Casinos use sophisticated methods to keep track of their patrons, and this information helps them avoid fraud and other problems. For example, each table or slot machine in a casino has a unique identification number that is linked to a security database. This system allows security personnel to monitor the activity in each area at any time, even when they are not physically present on the floor.
Some casinos have elaborate surveillance systems, including “eye-in-the-sky” cameras. These are mounted in the ceiling and can be adjusted to zoom in on specific areas or suspicious patrons by security workers in a separate room filled with banks of security monitors. Casinos also monitor activities through video camera feeds from other floors in the building, and this information can be reviewed after a crime or suspected cheating has occurred.
Casinos attract gamblers by offering perks designed to increase their spending. These are called comps. For instance, a casino may give a high roller free spectacular entertainment, transportation, luxury hotel rooms, and other extravagant inducements. Comps are a significant source of casino profit, and they encourage gamblers to spend more than they would otherwise.
