The word casino conjures up images of flashy hotels and massive gaming rooms, but it is also possible to find games of chance in smaller venues, including card rooms, racetracks (which are called racinos in some states) and even bars and truck stops. Casino gambling brings in billions of dollars every year for the companies, investors and Native American tribes that own and operate them. State and local governments also reap benefits in the form of taxes, fees and other payments.

Casinos offer a variety of entertainment, from restaurants to stage shows and spectacular scenery. Guests may try their luck at one of many table games, or place a bet on any of the hundreds of slot machines. In addition, the modern casino usually has a large sports book and a number of non-gambling attractions such as shops and art galleries.

Some casinos have a reputation for being glamorous and decadent, and this can draw in a certain type of customer. The Las Vegas strip is home to some of the most famous casinos, such as Caesars Palace, which has been a landmark since its opening in 1966 and was designed by architect Jay Samo with the intention of making visitors feel like Roman royalty. The list of celebrity guests who have appeared at the hotel is long and includes Frank Sinatra and Johnny Depp.

Because of the high amounts of money that pass through a casino, it is easy for people to cheat and steal, either in collusion or independently. To prevent this, the vast majority of casinos have strict security measures in place. These include a physical security force that patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance, as well as a specialized surveillance department that monitors the activities of all visitors through closed circuit television (CCTV).