A casino is a gambling establishment that accepts large bets on the outcome of random events. It also offers table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. Casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments. Some have strict rules on who can play and how much money they can win or lose. Others have more relaxed rules, such as allowing children to gamble with their parents.
Something about casinos seems to encourage people to cheat and steal, either in collusion with other patrons or on their own. As a result, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security measures. Security staff watches the floor, making sure dealers don’t fudge cards or mark dice, and watch the table games for signs of cheating. In addition, elaborate surveillance systems give a “eye in the sky” view of the entire casino that can be directed to focus on suspicious patrons by security workers in a room filled with banks of screens.
Another way that casinos try to make sure they come out ahead is by giving free goods and services to players who “play well.” This is called comping. Casinos often give away hotel rooms, dinners, shows, and even airline tickets to frequent high-dollar players.