A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. It can be combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. Some casinos also host tournaments and events. The term casino may also refer to a specific game, such as blackjack, or to a group of games, such as poker. In some cases, a casino may refer to a place where gambling is legal, such as in Nevada.
In the United States, casinos are most commonly found in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Some are incorporated as private companies, while others are owned and operated by local governments or tribal entities. In the latter case, the gaming operations are overseen by a regulatory body, such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Regardless of ownership, most casinos offer games of chance and are subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which they operate. In some countries, such as the United States, state regulations govern many aspects of casino operation, including employee hiring and training, and customer service standards.
Modern casinos often use technology to detect cheating and other security issues. For example, some betting chips have microcircuitry that allows them to be monitored remotely to ensure they are being used as intended; roulette wheels are regularly inspected for statistical deviations from their expected results. In addition, many casinos have video surveillance systems that monitor patrons and staff for suspicious activity. Some have catwalks above the gaming floor, allowing security personnel to look down on table and slot players through one-way glass.