A casino is a gambling establishment where the games of chance are played. Its patrons may gamble and bet money on the outcome of a game of chance or skill (like poker). Most casinos feature multiple tables, card games, and video poker machines. Many have restaurants, free drinks, stage shows, and dramatic scenery. Casinos are usually located in tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, Reno, and Atlantic City. Casinos can also be found in cities that have legalized gambling, such as California.
In order to control the influx of gamblers and the amount of money changing hands, casinos have strict security measures in place. Security cameras are placed throughout the gaming areas to monitor all activities. There are also a variety of other security measures, including security personnel and door and window locks. Some casinos have elaborate surveillance systems that offer a high-tech eye-in-the-sky, allowing security workers to watch every table and change window from a room filled with banks of security monitors.
Something about the gambling environment of a casino encourages people to cheat and steal. It is a common enough occurrence that casinos spend a large portion of their budget on security measures. Casinos are also a major source of revenue for their local communities. They bring in significant amounts of tax dollars that help politicians avoid cutting essential services and raise taxes elsewhere.
