A casino is a large building or room that contains gambling devices and games of chance. The establishment is a major source of revenue for its owners, who operate it with strict rules and regulations to ensure that gambling activities take place in a safe and controlled environment. Casinos may also contain restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues.
Modern casinos rely on a combination of physical and electronic security measures to deter crime. The most important tool is a network of closed-circuit television cameras that monitor the casino floor and its patrons. The video footage is stored on a secure server and can be accessed only by authorized personnel. Casinos employ a mix of security forces, including a physical police force and a specialized surveillance department, to patrol the premises and respond to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.
Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both staff and patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Many casinos have security measures to prevent this, such as cameras, but others rely on rules of conduct and behavior. For example, players at card games are required to keep their cards visible at all times.
Some casinos cater to high-rollers, offering them luxury suites and other perks. These are known as comps. During the 1970s, Las Vegas casinos promoted their comps to attract customers and drive up gambling revenues. Today, most casinos offer a variety of comps to encourage gambling and reward loyal patrons.
