A casino is a gambling establishment that offers an array of games of chance and skill. A casino is also known as a gaming house or a gambling hall. In the United States, casinos are usually located in resort towns or on Native American reservations. A few American states have legalized casinos, which must be licensed and regulated.
Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To prevent these activities, casino security is a major focus. Cameras are placed throughout the facility, and staff monitor games from behind the scenes. The machinations of the various table games follow predictable patterns, so a security person can quickly spot an anomaly. In addition, each table game has a manager and pit boss who oversees the shuffles, marking and betting patterns to ensure that no one is cheating.
Some games of chance, such as blackjack and poker, pay out winnings in fixed ratios. These games are the economic backbone of the modern casino, generating a steady stream of income from high-volume, fast play at small bets. Slot machines and (since the 1980s) video poker are the other main revenue generators, with high-volume, low-bet play at sums ranging from five cents to a dollar.
Most modern casinos feature a variety of table games, as well as keno, bingo, and roulette. Many have a bar that serves drinks and food while patrons gamble. This less intimidating approach to gambling is often preferred by females and young people. Some casinos feature a wide variety of themed slots, from those with blatantly sexy motifs to ones based on popular TV shows.