A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide variety of games of chance. A casino also offers food, drinks and entertainment. Some casinos are located in cities or towns, while others are built in resorts or vacation areas. Casinos offer a high level of security because of the large amounts of money handled within their facilities. Patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently; therefore, casinos invest a lot of time and money into security measures.
Initially, Las Vegas casinos offered a variety of perks to attract gamblers, hoping that they would spend as much as possible. These perks included cheap buffets, free show tickets and airline travel packages. In the twenty-first century, casinos are choosier about who they let on their premises. They focus on “high rollers,” who generate a significant amount of the profits that casinos make. These people are invited to gamble in special rooms where the stakes (i.e., the amount bet) can exceed ten thousand dollars. They are often offered free hotel rooms, meals and even limo service.
Besides the social aspect of playing games of chance, what makes a casino stand out from other gambling operations is its atmosphere. Casinos are designed to be noisy, bright and cheery places with music and other stimuli that entice players to gamble. In some cases, casino patrons shout encouragement to their fellow gamers, and alcoholic beverages are served quickly by waiters who circulate the rooms.