A casino is a gambling house where patrons can place bets on games of chance. Casinos are often located in glamorous, opulent buildings that attract gamblers with bright lights, exotic designs and a variety of games. Casinos also offer food and beverage services. They are also a popular destination for business travelers and tourists. In 2008, about 24% of Americans reported visiting a casino in the previous year.

A modern casino is a high-tech facility that incorporates surveillance technology, security systems and sophisticated software. Elaborate surveillance systems provide a “eye-in-the-sky” view of the entire casino floor, with cameras in every window and doorway. Security workers in a separate room can adjust the cameras to focus on suspicious patrons and to monitor specific games for signs of cheating or unusual activity.

Casinos are a major source of income for many states and municipalities. However, critics argue that casino revenue diverts money from other forms of entertainment and harms local businesses. They further contend that the cost of treating compulsive gamblers cancels out any economic benefits that casinos might bring.

Most casinos are regulated by state laws, and only a few allow non-state residents to play. Some are open only to a particular group of people, such as military personnel or veterans. Others have a mix of games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker. Many casinos also offer a range of other activities, such as shows and shopping. In addition to offering free admission to players, casinos often reward their best patrons with comps, such as free meals and drinks, hotel rooms, discounted tickets to shows, and limo service or airline tickets.