A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. While a few casinos have a few luxuries, such as musical shows and lighted fountains, the majority of the fun for visitors comes from gambling. Slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps, keno and other gambling games provide the billions of dollars in profits that casinos rake in every year. While the word casino means little house, it has come to refer to a variety of places that feature these kinds of games. Casinos are not always elaborate structures like those in Las Vegas, but they can be as simple as a motel room or a shack on the side of a road. People travel the world to visit these gambling establishments. Some travelers plan their entire vacations around a specific casino, while others inadvertently stumble upon them and find themselves enjoying an evening of pure self-indulgence! Modern casinos are like indoor amusement parks for adults. Many are adorned with a wide array of entertainment options, including restaurants, shopping centers and hotels. However, they would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and other games of chance provide the billions of dollars in profits that are raked in by U.S. casinos every year. Aside from gambling, casinos also offer entertainment in the form of musical performances and stand-up comedy. Some even feature restaurants that serve gourmet food. In addition, many casinos have large plasma tv screens where patrons can watch sporting events. There are even some that specialize in a certain type of sport, such as boxing or soccer. As with any business, a casino is a business that relies on its customers to make money. In order to attract and keep customers, casinos must offer a variety of amenities and services. They must also ensure that they are safe and secure. They do this by employing a combination of methods, such as sophisticated surveillance systems that monitor all areas of the casino at once. These systems can be adjusted by security personnel to focus on particular suspicious patrons. They can also record footage for later review. As a result of these measures, most casinos are safe for their guests. But not all casinos are as careful as they could be. Because of the high stakes involved in gambling, there is something about casinos that encourages some people to cheat or steal. This is why casinos spend a significant amount of time, effort and money on security. In fact, some casinos have cameras in the ceiling that give a “eye-in-the-sky” view of the entire casino floor. These cameras can be adjusted to focus on particular tables, change windows or doorways. They can also be used to record video of suspects. The casino can then look back at the footage and see if a crime or cheating was committed. This information can help them to identify and prosecute the perpetrator. In addition to security, casinos spend a lot of money on lighting and decor. They want their patrons to feel as if they are in the heart of the action, so they create a glamorous atmosphere with bright lights and luxurious surroundings.