A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance. It may also be called a gaming hall, a gambling house, or a gaming arcade. Casinos are most commonly found in cities with large populations of people, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Some casinos are built as standalone buildings, while others are part of hotels, resorts, or other tourist attractions. Casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing by both patrons and staff. These measures usually include video surveillance, and the presence of trained casino employees.
Aside from the usual table games, most casinos offer a variety of other gambling products. These include keno, bingo, and sports betting. The latter involves placing bets on a specific event or team, and is popular in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Moreover, some casinos specialize in traditional Far Eastern games such as sic bo (which was first introduced to American and European casinos during the 1990s), fan-tan, and pai gow.
In addition to a wide selection of gambling products, most casinos offer top-notch hotels, spas, restaurants, and other amenities. They are a major source of employment, and provide significant tax revenue to the local economy. However, they can be a dangerous environment for gamblers and have been linked to a number of social problems, including addiction, crime, and suicide. Moreover, they can hurt the property values of nearby homes and businesses. As a result, some people are calling for a rethinking of the role of casinos in society.