A casino (also called a gambling house or a gaming establishment) is a facility for certain types of gambling. Most casinos feature a variety of table games, such as blackjack and roulette, and video poker. Some have a wide selection of slot machines as well. Other popular games include keno and craps. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities. Often, casinos also offer complimentary items or comps to gamblers.
In the United States, casinos are most commonly found in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, they are now spread throughout the country and are legal in many American Indian reservations. During the 1980s, casino construction began in other states, as companies realized they could capitalize on the popularity of gambling as a tourist attraction.
The modern casino combines elements of entertainment, retail and dining into one building. The MGM Grand on the Las Vegas strip is a well-known example of this. In addition to a traditional range of table and slot machines, it features 60 large plasma televisions for sports betting, and its own bar where patrons can enjoy drinks and snacks.
Security in casinos is an important issue. Given the amount of money handled, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; most casinos have security measures to prevent this. These include security cameras located throughout the facility, and employees patrolling the floor to watch for blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards. Other security issues are more subtle, such as the routines and patterns that players follow when playing table games; these can be easily spotted by trained staff.