A casino (also called a gaming house or gambling establishment) is a place where people can play various types of gambling games. These facilities can be combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy, concerts and sports.
Casinos have a certain glamour that attracts even non-gamblers. They can be large and impressively decorated, with thousands of slot machines and tables. They can offer five-star food and other amenities to lure in customers. Some casinos are so popular that they become a major destination and draw tourists from around the world.
A casino can be a fun and exciting place, but it is not without risks. Something about gambling seems to encourage cheating and stealing, which is why casinos spend so much time and money on security. Casinos employ many different types of security, ranging from plainly visible staff who watch the gambling floor and patrons to sophisticated electronic systems that let security workers “see” every corner of the casino at once.
Casinos also use a variety of tricks to distract players and make it difficult to steal. For example, red is a popular color for casino decor because it is believed to stimulate the senses and make people lose track of time. Another way to deter stealing is to require dealers to wear aprons that cover their pockets and keep them from touching their hands, which can be used to hide chips.