A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Many casinos are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions. In addition, some casinos specialize in specific kinds of games or have themed decor. Casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy or musical performances.
The majority of casino gambling is done with a deck of cards, although some casinos offer dice games such as craps or baccarat and video poker. In addition to card and dice games, most casinos have a variety of slot machines, keno, and other electronic machines. Some casinos have a bar where patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages. Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are often available free of charge. Casino patrons are usually seated at tables or in booths, and the environment is designed to be loud, bright, and exciting. Casinos frequently display large prizes, such as a sports car, to attract attention and create excitement.
In addition to the security provided by trained personnel, most casinos use technology to monitor their patrons and games. Cameras with built-in microcircuitry allow casino employees to monitor individual betting chips minute by minute, and computer systems ensure that roulette wheels and other games have regular statistical deviations that can be detected.
Casinos attract a diverse crowd, but their core audience is older adults with above-average incomes. According to a 2005 study by Roper Reports GfK NOP and the U.S. Gaming Panel, the typical American casino gambler is a forty-six-year-old female who lives alone in an upper-middle class household.