A casino, or gambling establishment, is a facility that houses various types of gambling games. It also has restaurants, bars and stage shows. Many states have regulated casinos, and some have banned them entirely. In the United States, legal casinos are mainly in Atlantic City, Nevada and Las Vegas, and on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws. The casino industry is an important source of revenue for many governments.
Modern casino buildings are lavish and luxurious, offering a variety of entertainment options in addition to gambling. Slot machines, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, craps and keno generate billions in profits each year for casinos. Some are even built with high-end retail shops and top-notch restaurants.
Despite the glitz and glamour, casinos are serious businesses with rigorous security. A casino’s security department typically consists of both a physical force and a specialized surveillance section. The security forces patrol the casino and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized surveillance departments are trained to detect betting patterns that may indicate cheating.
The Bellagio in Las Vegas is one of the world’s best-known casinos. Its dancing fountains, luxury accommodations and high-end dining options make it a destination for both casual gamblers and high rollers. It was even featured in the 2001 film Ocean’s 11. Other famous casinos include the MGM Grand on the Strip, and the Mirage in California. Casinos are also popular in Macau, the Philippines and Singapore.