A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons can exchange money for chips to play games of chance. The facility may also include entertainment shows and other attractions. To play in a casino, a person must be of legal age and follow the rules and regulations of the establishment.
Most casinos offer a variety of games, including craps, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and baccarat. Some casinos specialize in one game or another. In the United States, baccarat is particularly popular, as are sports betting and slot machines. Casinos are carefully designed to influence the behavior of visitors. They feature intimate, windowless spaces crowded with enticing slot machines and other games. The noise from these games can cause visitors to lose track of time and spend more money than they intend to. Casinos often rely on music to set the mood, with low-tempo music having relaxing effects and high-tempo music encouraging gamblers to make rapid decisions. Casinos may also use scents to promote their brand, cover unpleasant odors, and encourage players to place bets without thinking.
In the United States, the largest casino is in Las Vegas, Nevada. The next largest are Atlantic City and Chicago. Many casinos are located on American Indian reservations and are not subject to state anti-gambling laws. In addition to the traditional casino, modern gaming facilities often include restaurants and shopping areas. Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees are susceptible to theft. To prevent this, most casinos have security measures in place. Modern casino security is divided between a physical security force and a surveillance department that monitors activities on and off the gaming floor.