A casino is a place that offers gamblers the opportunity to try their luck at games of chance. Some casinos also offer food, drinks and non-gambling entertainment like theaters and dance clubs.

While some gamblers are simply seeking a chance at winning big, others have more sinister intentions. Something about casinos (probably the presence of large amounts of money) encourages some people to cheat or steal in order to win. That’s why casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security.

Casinos use a variety of security measures, from surveillance cameras to sophisticated software that monitors game results. Elaborate surveillance systems give casino security personnel a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky,” letting them spot suspicious patterns and players. Dealers at table games have a more limited view, but they are trained to notice blatant violations like palming or marking cards or dice.

Some casinos, especially those located in tourist areas, have been accused of fostering gambling addictions, with compulsive gamblers generating a disproportionate share of profits. Critics argue that the costs of treating problem gamblers and lost productivity reverse any economic benefits a casino might bring to a community.