A casino is a gambling establishment offering a variety of gambling games. It also offers restaurants, free drinks, and stage shows. It has become the hallmark of many a luxury resort. Although the term casino is most often associated with Las Vegas, there are casinos in other places. In fact, casino gambling has been a staple in some communities since before the advent of modern civilization.
Casinos offer a wide variety of gaming options, from the classic games such as roulette and blackjack to a number of more exotic offerings like sic bo, fan-tan, and baccarat. Some casinos specialize in high-limit gaming, while others are geared more toward low-limit games and slot machines. Some casinos even have a separate room for high-stakes poker games.
Due to the large amount of money that changes hands in a casino, patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other players or by themselves. To prevent this, casinos spend a significant amount on security measures. These may include security cameras, armed guards, and electronic surveillance.
While casinos may be a major source of revenue for a city or region, critics have asserted that they are not a net contributor to the economy. Rather, they shift local spending away from other forms of entertainment and cause problems such as addiction to gambling. Additionally, studies indicate that the costs of treating compulsive gamblers offset any economic gains from casino gambling.