A casino, also known as a gambling house, is a facility where people can play casino games, usually for money. They are usually located near hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships and other tourist attractions.

Several forms of gaming are available in casinos, including slots, roulette, blackjack, craps and baccarat. Some casinos offer non-gambling activities, such as concert venues and live entertainment.

There are many different kinds of casino games, from traditional Far Eastern games like sic bo and fan-tan to European gambling favorites such as two-up and banca francesa. Often, these games have their own rules and are regulated by local laws.

Security is a high priority at casinos. Dealers, pit bosses and table managers monitor their own games and watch over their patrons, keeping an eye out for suspicious betting patterns that may indicate cheating.

Elaborate surveillance systems provide a high-tech “eye in the sky” for casino security workers to watch the entire casino at once. Cameras in the ceiling watch every table and change windows and doors, making it easy for them to spot suspicious gamblers.

They can also use sophisticated computer systems to oversee the payouts of slot machines and track the exact amounts wagered by players minute by minute, and if a deviation is detected, they can alert all of the other tables immediately.

Some casinos even have their own music clubs and dining options for their guests, with pop, rock, and jazz performances. This is a great way for casino owners to attract people who would otherwise not visit their establishments, and they make for great vacation destinations.