A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. Modern casinos are much like an indoor amusement park for adults and offer a wide range of entertainment options, including musical shows, shopping centers, gourmet restaurants and lighted fountains. Although these attractions are important to the success of a casino, most of the revenue (and profits for owners) is generated from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, poker, baccarat and other table games are the basis for the billions of dollars in profits casinos rake in every year.

While something about the sheer amount of money handled within a casino encourages cheating and theft, either in collusion or on a solo basis, most casinos have security measures to deter such behavior. Casinos often have high-tech “eyes-in-the-sky” surveillance systems that monitor every table, window and doorway. Casino patrons also tend to follow familiar patterns of behavior that make it easy for security personnel to spot suspicious activity.

Many casinos are internationally famous for their elegance and sophistication. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, is known for its iconic dancing fountains and luxurious accommodations. Other notable casinos include the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon and the Casino Baden-Baden in Germany. Casinos are also popular destinations for high-stakes gamblers and have been featured in numerous movies and television shows.