A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can gamble on games of chance. These include card games like blackjack and poker, as well as table games such as roulette and craps. Some casinos also offer video poker machines and slot machines. In the United States, the term casino is usually associated with a specific establishment that offers table games conducted by live dealers, but there are also casinos that specialize in purely mechanical devices or those that pit players against each other rather than the house, such as standard poker games.

Because of the large amounts of money that are often handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. As a result, most casinos invest a large amount of money and effort into security measures. These can range from a simple “eye in the sky” surveillance system to a complex network of cameras positioned throughout the facility.

In addition to the obvious security concerns, many casinos also have a number of programs designed to reward loyal customers. These can include free hotel rooms, meals, shows or even airline tickets for big spenders. These loyalty programs are designed to encourage repeat business and keep current customers away from competition. Some casinos even have a dedicated staff that focuses solely on customer service.