A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons play games of chance. Often casinos also offer restaurants and entertainment shows. Casinos are found in cities around the world. Some are famous for their glamorous attractions and sophisticated facilities. Others are known for the type of gambling they house, such as baccarat, poker and blackjack.

Something about the presence of large sums of money seems to encourage both casino employees and patrons to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. That’s why casinos spend a lot of time, effort and money on security. In addition to a visible security force, many casinos use surveillance systems to monitor all activities within the facility. The routines of players, the shuffle and dealing of cards, the expected reactions and actions of other patrons all follow specific patterns that make it easier for security personnel to spot out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

Some casinos also have special rooms where gamblers can try their luck at traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo (which became popular in several European and American casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan and pai gow. These games are often used to reward loyal customers with comps, or free goods and services such as hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows and limo service. Even small bettors can earn these perks if they play long enough. Many of these games, like the crossed fingers of some casino visitors, have their roots in superstitious beliefs that help people feel a little bit lucky.