The word casino is most often associated with a gambling establishment in Las Vegas, but casinos can be found throughout the world. Modern casinos have many luxuries to attract customers, such as free drinks, stage shows and dramatic scenery, but the vast majority of their profits come from gaming activities. Gambling machines, including slots and video poker, and table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps and keno make up the bulk of the revenue generated by casino operations.

Casinos are typically protected by surveillance systems that monitor patrons and employee activities. These systems can be in the form of cameras located around the casino, or more sophisticated technology that uses a network of computers to monitor activity throughout the facility. In addition, casino employees are trained to spot suspicious or criminal behavior and to report it to security staff.

Due to the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal. As a result, most casinos spend a great deal of time and effort on security. In addition to a physical security force, most casinos also have specialized departments that monitor and investigate reports of possible crime. These departments work closely with the physical security forces to ensure that casino property and patrons are safe. For example, some casinos have catwalks that allow security personnel to look directly down on casino tables and slot machines through one-way glass.