A casino, also known as a gambling house, is an establishment that allows patrons to gamble. Some casinos specialize in specific types of gambling. Others are more general and offer a variety of games. Most casinos feature a wide range of slot machines, with a few featuring keno and bingo as well. Some casinos have stage shows and restaurants, to provide patrons with a variety of entertainment options.
Most American casino gamblers are drawn to slots and table games, with a few also favoring video poker and blackjack. A Gallup poll in 2003 found that 30% of people who admitted to participating in some form of gambling during the previous year chose a casino game as their favorite. The same poll found that 6% selected a bingo game, 5% chose keno, and 1% preferred a roulette or craps table.
The casino industry is often concerned with cheating and theft, either in collusion between patrons or by staff members. In addition to security cameras throughout the facility, most casinos employ a variety of other measures to prevent these activities. Many casinos also place a high emphasis on customer service, offering comps and other perks to keep customers coming back.
In the United States, most modern casinos are located in Nevada and California. However, the casino concept has expanded to other regions as well. In particular, American Indian reservations often operate casinos, which are exempt from state antigambling laws. Many of these casinos are glitzy and filled with slot machines, tables, and show productions.