A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money. While casinos often add a host of other amenities, such as restaurants, shopping centers and stage shows, they would not exist without gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games are what provide the billions of dollars in profits raked in by casinos each year.
Unlike at home, where players deal the cards in poker, in a casino the dealer does it. The dealers in a casino are called croupiers. Casinos typically employ a large number of croupiers, because it is important that the players do not get cheated or confused about what to do next. The croupiers also help control the flow of money around the casino.
Because of the large amount of money that moves through casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat and steal. In many casinos, this is prevented by a variety of security measures. Some are very obvious, such as cameras located throughout the casino. Others are less obvious, such as observing patterns in game play. For example, the way in which the dealers shuffle and deal cards follows a set pattern that can be noticed by security personnel.
A casino can be as simple as a room in a hotel that has been decorated with slot machines and other tables of chance, or it can be an elaborate facility designed to attract and entertain guests. The casinos that are built in major tourist destinations often have beautiful decor, mind-blowing selections of games and a wide range of other amenities. Some are even family friendly.