A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos may also be combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. Some casinos specialize in specific games, such as poker or baccarat.

Something about the glitz, glamour and high stakes of casino gambling draws people to try their luck. Some people win big, and others lose a bundle. But whether they win or lose, most gamblers want to make sure that their money is safe and secure. To ensure that this is the case, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security.

Casino security begins on the gaming floor, where casino employees watch patrons to ensure that all bets are placed correctly and that no one is attempting to cheat or steal. Some casinos have elaborate security systems that allow them to monitor all of the tables in a building at once using cameras mounted on the ceiling or in the walls. The video feeds can be focused on particular patrons by security workers who sit in a room filled with banks of monitors.

Most casinos focus their security efforts on the most profitable patrons, those who gamble large sums of money. These patrons are often referred to as high rollers, and they are given special privileges that can include free spectacular entertainment, luxury accommodations and reduced-fare transportation. In addition, casinos may offer them a variety of other inducements, including free drinks and cigarettes while gambling.