A casino is a gambling establishment that allows players to place wagers on various games of chance. These casinos may also offer hotels, restaurants and non-gambling entertainment such as bars and swimming pools. They can be found in cities across the globe and some are even considered tourist attractions in their own right.
Casinos make security a top priority and employ a variety of methods to keep gamblers safe. Many have video cameras to monitor patrons and staff, and some even use chips instead of cash to make it harder for gamblers to cheat or steal. Chips also help the casino track money flowing in and out of the gambling area more easily. Dealers are heavily trained and can spot blatant cheating such as palming, marking or switching cards. They are often assisted by pit bosses or table managers who watch over a specific area of the floor and can quickly note any patterns in betting that could signal cheating. All staff are usually supervised by higher-ups who can step in at any time to ensure safety and compliance with casino rules.
Some of the most famous casinos in the world are in cities that are known as gambling centers, such as Monte Carlo, Monaco and Macau, Hong Kong. Other casinos are located in places that have been historically associated with a certain type of entertainment, such as the three-story Hippodrome in London, which was opened in 1900 and originally served as a circus venue. Today, it is one of the most popular casinos in the city and a frequent stop on tours for visitors from all over the world.