A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money. These games include blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and more. Some casinos also offer keno and other electronic games. Many states have legalized casinos, and the number continues to grow. Casinos range in size from massive resorts to small card rooms. In the United States, casinos are found in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, as well as on Indian reservations. Some states allow casinos on riverboats or at racetracks, called racinos.

A casino’s profits are usually derived from gambling and food and beverage sales. However, something about gambling seems to encourage cheating and theft. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Casino security is often a combination of physical guards and a specialized surveillance department.

In the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos used to lure people with cheap travel packages, free buffets and show tickets. The idea was to fill up the hotel rooms and the casino floor with as many customers as possible. This strategy worked, and the casino business boomed.

In the 21st century, casinos are choosier about who they let in. They concentrate their investments on “high rollers,” who bet large amounts of money. These gamblers receive comps, such as free hotel rooms and meals, and even limo service and airline tickets. In addition, the casino can look back at their play on closed-circuit television monitors, known in the industry as an eye-in-the-sky system.