A casino is a place where you can try your luck at games of chance. It’s typically filled with flashy decor, the sound of champagne glasses clinking and people chatting, creating a lively atmosphere that can be intoxicating even for the most jaded gambler. In addition to gambling, casinos often offer food, drinks and stage shows.

While the ambiance of a casino can be fun, it’s important to know that there are also some serious security concerns. Security starts on the gaming floor, where dealers keep a close eye on patrons to spot blatant cheating like marking cards or switching dice. They are also trained to look for betting patterns that could indicate collusion amongst players.

Beyond the gaming floor, casinos have elaborate surveillance systems with cameras that monitor each table, change window and doorway. The cameras are controlled by security workers in a room full of banks of screens, and they can be focused on suspicious patrons by simply pressing a button. These cameras also record every spin of a slot machine’s reels, so security can go back and watch footage if there is ever a problem.

Casinos are regulated by gaming control boards or commissions in states where they operate. These regulators create rules and regulations for gambling operators based on state laws. They also oversee the licensing of casino owners and employees. People who visit a casino must be over the legal age for gambling and cannot have been placed on a state or tribal self-exclusion list.