A casino (or casiono in Spanish) is a place where people play gambling games. These games may include traditional table games, such as blackjack and roulette, or electronic gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker. Most casinos also offer non-gambling entertainment such as restaurants, bars, and shows. They may be located in massive resorts built specifically for the purpose, or they may be standalone buildings. Casinos are a major source of revenue for some states, local governments, and Native American tribes.
Most modern casinos use sophisticated technology to monitor their patrons and prevent cheating and stealing. For example, a patron’s betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with a computer system to record and verify the exact amounts wagered minute by minute; and the results of random number games such as roulette are electronically monitored for anomalies. Casino security is also enforced through rules of conduct and behavior; for example, players at card tables are required to keep their hands visible at all times.
Statistical studies of casino patronage indicate that the typical casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female from a household with an above-average income. These gamblers are more likely to be married, live with other adults, and have children. They are also more likely to be employed full time and have substantial disposable income. In 2005, the average casino patron spends $29 per visit and plays for about an hour. High rollers, those who wager large sums of money, are a key source of casino profits. They are greeted with special privileges, such as free luxury suites and private gaming rooms, and earn comps that can be worth thousands of dollars in value.