A casino, or gaming house, is an establishment that offers various forms of gambling. Some casinos are stand-alone gambling facilities while others are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops or cruise ships. In addition to offering various gambling activities, some casinos also offer live entertainment such as stage shows and concerts. The term casino may also refer to a computer game that simulates gambling.
Because large amounts of money are handled within casinos, both patrons and staff can be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; consequently, most casinos use security measures. The most basic form of casino security is a series of cameras located throughout the facility. In more advanced casinos, chips with built-in microcircuitry allow the house to monitor the amount wagered minute-by-minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from their expected results.
While many people associate casinos with Vegas, they can be found around the world. In fact, there are more than 3,000 legal casinos worldwide. Some of these are located on American Indian reservations and are not subject to state antigambling laws. In the United States, casinos can be found in Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware and Puerto Rico.
In addition to providing a wealth of gaming options, most casinos have several enticing promotions and bonuses for existing players. These can include reload bonuses, Game of the Week promotions and loyalty program points that can be exchanged for additional betting credits. These promotions are designed to attract new customers as well as reward loyal ones.