A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and other forms of entertainment, such as live music or shows. Some casinos also offer top-notch hotels, spas and restaurants. However, the vast majority of a casino’s profits come from its gambling operations. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, craps, and other casino table games are what draw people in and keep them coming back for more.
A major concern for casino operators is cheating and stealing. Both patrons and employees may attempt to manipulate the game results, either in collusion or by simply taking advantage of a flaw in the system. To combat this, casinos employ a variety of security measures. Cameras located throughout the facility are one of the most important, but even a quick glance at a casino floor will reveal a multitude of other security features. Dealers watch each other closely and can quickly spot blatant manipulation, such as palming or marking cards or dice. Pit bosses and table managers have a wider view of the games and can look for betting patterns that could indicate cheating.
To encourage gamblers to spend more money, many casinos offer comps, or free goods and services, such as hotel rooms, meals, show tickets and limo service for high rollers. This practice is especially common in Las Vegas. But many economists argue that casinos are not good for local economies; they shift spending from other types of entertainment and can contribute to problems such as addiction and lost productivity.