Casino (also known as gambling houses) are public places where people can gamble on games of chance. They often feature restaurants, stage shows and dramatic scenery to attract patrons and provide an exciting entertainment experience. The upscale casinos also offer many amenities to attract high-rollers, including spas and luxury accommodations. Some countries have legalized casinos and regulate them, while others prohibit them or ban them altogether.

Something about the large amounts of money that are handled inside a casino encourages people to cheat or steal, either in collusion or by their own initiative. This is why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Casino security starts on the casino floor, where dealers keep an eye on each other and the patrons to make sure that everyone is following the rules. Each table has a pit boss or manager watching over it, looking for betting patterns that may signal cheating. Casinos also have security cameras throughout the casino to observe patrons and monitor game activity.

Computers play a key role in casino security as well. Casinos use computers to monitor all the transactions in the casino and are able to quickly detect any statistical deviation from expected results. In addition, they use chips with built-in microcircuitry to record and report the exact amount of money wagered on each game. These systems help casinos calculate how much profit they will make and how much cash they need in reserve to cover losses.