What Is a Casino?

A casino is a gambling establishment where people gamble by playing games of chance or skill. These games often involve the use of dice, cards, and a spinning wheel. Casinos may also feature entertainment shows and/or restaurants. They are sometimes built near or combined with hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and retail shops. The classic example of a casino is the Monte Carlo Casino, located in the principality of Monaco.

Modern casinos have extensive security measures in place to protect their patrons and property. This is especially important since many of these venues handle large amounts of money. The most common security measure is the use of surveillance cameras. These can be found throughout the casino and are used to monitor activities in and around the gaming areas. In addition, many casinos have specialized security departments that patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The security department is usually split into a physical force and a specialized electronic surveillance division. These departments work very closely together to ensure the safety of casino guests and employees. As with any type of gambling, people can be tempted to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. As a result, most casinos have strict rules and regulations regarding the handling of funds and other assets.