A casino, also known as a gaming establishment or a gambling house, is a place where people can gamble. Gambling is an activity in which a person places a bet on the outcome of a game or event, such as a horse race or a basketball game. Casinos usually have a mix of games, including table and slot machines. Many casinos feature stage shows and other entertainment. Casinos are owned and operated by private companies, individuals, or Native American tribes. They generate billions of dollars in revenue each year for their owners and employees. They are often located in large resorts, but also can be found in racetracks and on boats traveling on rivers and lakes.
In addition to providing entertainment, casinos are an important source of revenue for state and local governments. In the United States, most casinos are licensed and regulated by the state in which they are located. Most states have a minimum age for casino gambling, and some have maximum limits.
Casinos are an industry that depends on the integrity of its patrons. The security measures required of casino personnel are therefore extensive. Casinos use cameras throughout the facility, and staff patrol on foot and in vehicles. In addition, they use technology to monitor the games themselves: betting chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to verify the amount wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to detect any deviation from their expected outcomes; and video poker machines have cameras that keep track of a player’s card position for each hand.