A casino is a gambling establishment where you can play games of chance. It can have several gambling tables, slot machines and other forms of entertainment. It may also have a restaurant, live entertainment and other amenities for its guests.
The modern casino is often more like an indoor amusement park for adults than a traditional gambling hall, but the majority of its profits (and fun) comes from games of chance such as slots, blackjack, poker and craps. These games, combined with a variety of other entertainment options (like musical shows and lighted fountains) account for the billions in profits that casinos rake in every year.
Something about gambling seems to encourage people to cheat or steal, and casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Employees watch patrons closely for blatant cheating or stealing, and there are video cameras everywhere to catch anything that happens on the floor. In addition to the cameras, pit bosses and table managers have a broader view of the action to make sure that no one is palming cards or marking dice.
While the casinos are a great source of entertainment for many, critics point out that they shift spending from other local businesses and hurt property values in the surrounding area. Studies also show that compulsive gamblers generate a disproportionate share of the profits, and the costs associated with treating problem gambling largely offset any economic gains from the casinos.