A casino is a place where games of chance are played for money or other prizes. Its glitz, glamour and high-profile patrons have made it a popular theme for movies and television shows. It is also a major source of revenue for many governments. While it is common for casinos to add other forms of entertainment, including restaurants, theaters and stage shows, the gambling itself remains the main attraction.
Modern casinos offer a variety of table games such as roulette, blackjack, craps and baccarat. They also feature slot machines and video poker. Table games are primarily conducted by live dealers and require players to make bets based on a combination of luck and skill. Some casinos may offer a range of other games such as keno, bingo and lottery-like contests.
Some casinos attract big gamblers by offering comps, or complimentary goods and services, to them. These can include free rooms, meals and tickets to shows. Some even provide limo service and airline tickets to the biggest spenders. These rewards are given to customers who meet specific criteria, such as the amount of time they play and their total wagers.
Despite their glitz, casinos are not without their risks. Because large amounts of cash are involved, cheating and stealing by patrons or employees are fairly common. To prevent these activities, casinos employ a number of security measures. These usually involve a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department, often called the eye in the sky.