A casino is a place where people play games of chance and gamble. In the United States, these gambling establishments can be massive resorts like the Mirage in Las Vegas or small card rooms in bars and restaurants. They can also be found on boats and barges on waterways across the country. Casinos are a popular attraction for tourists and generate billions of dollars in revenue each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. Many of these establishments also offer dining, entertainment, and spas for an all-around experience.
Because of the large amounts of money handled, casinos are prone to cheating and theft by patrons and employees. To combat these dangers, most casinos employ several security measures. These include cameras located throughout the facility, as well as rules requiring that players keep their cards visible at all times. In addition, most state gaming control boards or commissions oversee casino operations and license operators.
To encourage people to gamble, casinos offer comps (free goods or services) to heavy players. These incentives can include free or reduced-fare transportation, food, hotel rooms, and tickets to shows. Some casinos also have loyalty programs that resemble airline frequent-flyer programs, in which patrons swipe their room keys to accumulate points that can be exchanged for cash or gifts. Some of these programs also feature electronic systems that monitor game results and alert managers to any statistical deviations from expected averages.