A casino is a place where people can gamble for cash. Some casinos also have entertainment, such as shows or dancers. Casinos spend a large amount of time, effort and money on security because gamblers are often dishonest or criminal. Many casinos are surrounded by security fences and have armed guards on duty. The most modern casinos have closed circuit television systems. Some casinos have catwalks above the floor, so security personnel can look down on activities without being seen. Casinos try to attract high-spending patrons by offering perks, such as free hotel suites or meals. These perks are called comps. Casinos are also choosy about who they let gamble, and they try to make sure that everyone they let in is a good customer.
Because of the large amounts of money involved, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. Casinos usually have a system of rules and regulations to prevent this, and they use cameras to monitor patrons and their behavior. They also have a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The employees watch over table games, looking for blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards, and they note betting patterns that could signal collusion.
In the past, organized crime figures ran many casinos in Las Vegas and Reno. They provided the capital to fund expansion and renovation, and they took sole or partial ownership of some casinos. However, federal crackdowns and the fear of losing a gambling license at even the slightest hint of mob involvement forced legitimate businessmen to invest in casinos. This led to the creation of large casino-hotel complexes, with a wide range of gambling products and restaurants.