A casino is a place where people can gamble by playing games of chance, or in some cases, with an element of skill. The games may be played on mechanical devices, on tables operated by live dealers, or on machines that simulate gambling activities. Casinos are often located in the vicinity of hotels and/or other tourist attractions. They often offer a wide variety of entertainment, including musical performances and lighted fountains. They also offer a range of other amenities such as top-notch restaurants and spas.
There are hundreds of casinos in the United States and around the world, from the glitzy, Las Vegas-style establishments to smaller, locally owned operations. Many casino employees work hard to attract and keep gamblers by providing the best possible environment. They use scents, sounds and colors to encourage patrons to gamble for longer periods of time. The most popular casino games include slot machines, blackjack and poker. According to a survey of Nevada residents conducted by Gemini Research in 2002, the majority of respondents chose slot machines as their favorite game. Table games (including poker) and gambling on sporting/racing events each garnered less than 6% of the vote.
In order to attract large numbers of patrons, some casinos have incorporated special amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers and luxury hotels. Casinos also employ a wide variety of security measures to prevent cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. Security cameras are frequently used in casino settings, and security personnel frequently patrol the premises.
