A casino (also called a gaming house or a gambling establishment) is a building or room where people can gamble. It is also a place where entertainment, such as stage shows and free drinks, is provided for patrons. A casino may also offer other amenities, such as restaurants and hotels. Casinos are most often found in cities with large populations of people who like to gamble and in areas where gambling is legalized.

The casino industry is a major source of employment worldwide, especially in the United States. In 2010, the industry employed more than 1.5 million people, making it one of the largest sources of employment in the United States. Casinos also generate significant amounts of revenue for the host city, country, state and region.

While the vast majority of casinos are located in the United States, there are a few in other countries, including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which has become a renowned landmark, attracting both hardened dollar spinners and curious newbies. This storied casino features the usual range of game tables and slot machines, plus a lively area dedicated to sports betting that boasts 60 plasma televisions where you can flick your coins on American football, boxing, martial arts and soccer.

Due to the amount of money handled within casinos, security is a top priority. Electronic systems and cameras monitor every table, window and doorway to detect any suspicious behavior or unusual patterns. The most elaborate surveillance systems offer a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” that allows security personnel to watch the entire casino at once and can be adjusted by security workers to focus on specific patrons.