A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are usually built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Many countries have legalized casino gambling. In the United States, there are more than 1,000 casinos. Some casinos are owned by governments, while others are private enterprises. Most casinos are located in Las Vegas, Nevada; however, some are also located in other cities and countries. The world’s most famous casino is the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which features a spectacular fountain show and luxurious accommodations. Other notable casinos include the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, and the Casino Baden-Baden in Germany.
Table games are games played on a flat surface, such as a table, and require strategic thinking, decision-making skills, and luck to play. These games include card games like poker and blackjack, dice games such as craps, and wheel games like roulette. Some table games, such as baccarat and sic bo, combine chance with skill. In addition, some casinos offer traditional Far Eastern games, such as fan-tan and pai gow.
Due to the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most modern casinos have security measures in place to deter crime. These may include a physical security force, as well as specialized surveillance departments. Video surveillance in a casino is often done using a network of cameras that can be monitored from a central location.