Casinos are places where a variety of games of chance can be played. While many casinos add a lot of extras to attract gamblers, such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows, they would not exist without games like slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, keno and baccarat.

The term “casino” is most commonly used in the United States and Canada, where over 1,000 casinos operate. Over 40 states have legalized gambling in some form, though many of these are small and only offer a handful of games. Larger casinos can have thousands of slot machines, as well as tables for various other games.

Most casinos use a combination of technology and human security to keep patrons safe. Cameras monitor gaming areas and staff, while pit bosses and table managers watch over the action to ensure that rules are followed. Dealers are especially focused on their own game, and can easily spot blatant cheating techniques like palming or marking cards or dice.

In addition to these technological safeguards, most casinos employ a number of people dedicated to security. These include floor supervisors and managers, as well as specialized staff for specific games like baccarat. These specialists can quickly identify winning bets and stop a gambler before they can walk away with the jackpot.

Aside from security, casino employees are also trained to comp players. The idea is to reward high-volume bettors with free goods and services, such as hotel rooms, meals, show tickets or limo service. A casino comp is calculated by how much a player spends and how long they play.