A casino is a place where people can play gambling games. Casinos add other entertainment features such as restaurants, free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery to appeal to a wide range of patrons. Casinos are generally owned and operated by private individuals or companies. They are often built around a particular theme or feature, such as a mountain environment, pirate ship, or horse racing track. They may also have elaborate building designs with fountains, statues, and replicas of famous landmarks.
In the 1990s, casino owners began using technology to oversee their operations. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to monitor the exact amounts wagered minute by minute, and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from their expected results. Casinos also employ sophisticated surveillance systems with cameras that can watch entire rooms and zoom in on suspicious patrons.
Many casinos rely on high-stakes gamblers to generate much of their revenue. These gamblers receive comps (rooms, food, show tickets) worth tens of thousands of dollars, and are allowed to gamble in special rooms away from the main casino floor. Other casinos focus on customer service and offer loyalty programs similar to airline frequent-flyer programs that entitle gamblers to free meals, drinks, and show tickets.
Online casinos offer a variety of games and betting options, including blackjack, roulette, video poker, baccarat, and keno. Some sites even have live dealer tables that let players interact with a real person through video streaming, offering an authentic experience.
