A casino is a facility for certain types of gambling. These establishments are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are operated by government-licensed or regulated organizations. Casinos are also a source of revenue for some cities and towns. In many cases, the term casino is used to refer to a specific gaming establishment but may also be applied to other facilities where gambling is legalized.
The United States has the most casinos in the world. Most of these are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a few in Atlantic City and Chicago. A number of American Indian reservations are also home to casinos, which are generally exempt from state antigambling laws.
Modern casino security is typically divided between a physical security force and a specialized department that operates the casino’s closed circuit television system (CCTV). The former patrols the floor, responding to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The latter monitors all game play via video surveillance and responds to all calls, as well as conducting regular tests for statistical deviations from expected outcomes.
A casino can have a theme to attract customers and differentiate itself from its competitors. Some casinos feature a replica of Monte Carlo city or other famous landmarks, while others are designed to be more like luxury vacation destinations. Several casinos offer themed food and drink menus, as well as live entertainment. Some even use music to influence behavior; a study found that gamblers listening to low-tempo music stayed at the table longer than those hearing high-tempo music.