A casino, or gaming establishment, is a place where people can gamble by playing games of chance. Most casinos offer a variety of gambling options, such as slot machines and table games like blackjack or poker. Some also provide dining, entertainment, and accommodations. In the United States, many state governments regulate casinos. Casinos are commonly located in cities with large populations of tourists, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Some are operated by local governments, while others are owned by private corporations.
Some casinos have a specific theme, such as a Roman-themed resort in Caesars Palace, which is famous for its luxury facilities and celebrity entertainment (the list of stars who have performed at the casino includes Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Elton John, and Riddick Bowe). Other casinos are more generalized tourist centres, with a wide range of attractions, including restaurants, bars, and art galleries.
Because casinos handle large amounts of money, they are vulnerable to fraud by both patrons and staff. To combat this, most casinos have security measures. These may include a physical security force and specialized surveillance departments that monitor the casino’s closed circuit television system, or “eye in the sky”. Casinos may also have rules and regulations regarding the handling of personal information, such as players’ names and credit cards. Despite these measures, casino employees may still be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. This is why a high level of internal control and regular audits are important in any casino.