A casino is a gambling establishment that features a variety of games of chance. The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the vast majority of the entertainment (and profits for the owner) coming from gambling. Slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps, keno and other popular games provide the billions in profits that casinos rake in each year. Casinos can be found all over the world, and some even include shopping centers and hotels.

In the United States, there are over 40 states that allow some form of legal gambling. Most of these states regulate casinos, either by license or through taxation. Many American Indian reservations have casinos, and these are often exempt from state antigambling laws. Casinos are also popular on riverboats and in some foreign countries.

Despite their seamy reputation, casinos are generally good for local economies. They attract tourists who spend money on food, drinks and rooms, and they create jobs in related industries. However, the economic impact of gambling addiction and the cost of treating compulsive gamblers more than offset any positive effects.

Security at a casino is usually divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The physical security force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized surveillance department monitors the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as its eye in the sky. In addition, casino employees watch patrons to make sure they are not cheating by palming or marking cards or dice.