Casino (plural casinos) is a gambling establishment where patrons can gamble on games of chance or skill. The term can also refer to a large building or complex that houses such facilities. Often, casinos are built as part of hotel-resorts, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. In the United States, casinos are most commonly found in Nevada and Atlantic City.
Casinos are built to maximize profits and attract visitors, so they feature elaborate decor and architecture. They may also feature entertainment such as stage shows and acrobatic performances, along with luxury shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Some casinos are also known for their extensive collections of art and exhibits.
The casino industry is heavily regulated, and many countries have laws to control the proliferation of casinos. In addition to limiting the number of casino establishments, most governments regulate the types of games that can be played and the maximum bet amounts allowed.
Due to the large amount of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To combat this, most casinos have security measures in place. These range from cameras to sophisticated surveillance systems that track the activities of every patron. In addition, the patterns and routines of different games make it easier for security personnel to spot unusual behavior. This type of work is sometimes performed by specialist mathematicians or computer programmers, who are known as gaming analysts.