A casino is a facility for gambling. It includes a variety of gaming tables, such as roulette, blackjack and poker, as well as slot machines. Some casinos also have stage shows and restaurants. The largest casinos in the world are located in Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Chicago, Illinois.

Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, security is an important issue. In addition to cameras, some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one-way glass, on activities at the tables and slot machines. Casinos often have rules of conduct and behavior that are designed to prevent cheating and stealing, either by patrons or staff.

Besides offering the usual games, casinos are known for perks that encourage gamblers to spend more money. They offer discounted hotel packages, free meals and show tickets, and other giveaways. The casino industry is a very competitive business. In order to compete with each other, they strive to provide the best customer service and attract the most customers.

Historically, casino ownership was often linked to organized crime. Mafia figures provided the cash for many early casinos, but they also became involved in management and even took sole or partial ownership of some establishments. In more recent times, investment banks have become major owners of casinos. Today’s casinos are heavily regulated, and the number of new ones is decreasing. The typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with above-average income.