What Is a Casino?

A casino, also known as a gaming hall or a gambling house, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Modern casinos are often integrated with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and other tourist attractions. They offer a variety of gambling games such as blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing.

A gambling addiction can be devastating for families, friends and workmates. It can lead to severe financial problems, depression, substance abuse and even suicide. If you suspect you have a gambling problem, there are several ways you can seek help and get back on track.

In addition to standard casino games, some offer traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo and fan-tan. Some also offer tournaments where players test their skills against other top players and win big prizes.

Casinos are popular tourist destinations, and the industry is regulated by government authorities to ensure fair play. Modern security measures include closed circuit television and surveillance systems. A physical security force patrols the floor and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. A specialized surveillance department operates the casino’s closed circuit television system, known in the industry as “the eye in the sky”. The security departments work very closely together to protect guests and casino assets. They are highly trained and have a high success rate in deterring crime. They use a combination of technology and strict rules to prevent gamblers from taking advantage of the house.