A casino (or gambling house) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. The gambling industry is regulated by government bodies and is usually considered a legal industry. Casino patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with staff or independently, so casinos employ security measures to deter crime. These usually include cameras, guards, and specialized surveillance departments.

The modern casino is an enormous complex of rooms, corridors, and gaming tables. Guests can gamble at any of the numerous games offered, such as poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots. Some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing. Many casinos feature spectacular decor and architecture, and some even host world-class performers.

Casinos are primarily profitable through the gambling revenue they generate. In order to maximize this revenue, they often promote gambling with free drinks, cheap buffets, and show tickets. They also offer perks to regulars in the form of comps, or complimentary items.

Casinos attempt to attract high-rollers by offering them luxury suites and other perks. In 2005, the company Harrah’s Entertainment reported that the average casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with an above-average income. They also invest in high-stakes games, where the profits can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. For this reason, the modern casino has a heightened focus on security, with cameras and other monitoring devices located throughout the premises.