A casino is a gambling establishment for certain types of games of chance. These are often combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. They may also offer live entertainment such as stage shows and DJs. A casino is the main source of revenue for many cities and states that legalize gambling.
Unlike the seedy backrooms of old, today’s casinos are opulent places with a wide range of games and amenities. They are also heavily guarded. In some cases, security is provided by armed personnel and closed-circuit television.
In addition to video surveillance, most casinos have special technology that oversees their games. These include chips with built-in microcircuitry that allow casinos to keep track of the amount wagered minute by minute; and roulette wheels that are electronically monitored for any statistical deviations from their expected values. Casinos also use bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings to create an atmosphere that is stimulating and cheering. They usually do not have clocks on the walls to prevent players from becoming distracted.
Local governments are often eager to promote the positive economic impact of casinos, but critics point out that the revenue from casino taxes is only a fraction of total state and local spending; that most gambling patrons are local residents rather than tourists; and that the cost of treating compulsive gamblers offsets any benefits that casinos might bring. Another issue is that the jobs created by casinos are generally lower-paying and less-skilled than other types of local employment.