A casino is a large building that houses one or more types of gambling games. Some casinos specialize in certain games, while others offer a wide variety of different types. Some of these include table games like blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as slots, video poker and other arcade-style games. Many casinos also feature live dealer tables for some of their games.
Casinos have a long history of controversy, both legal and illegal. Some argue that casino profits drain money from local businesses, and that the costs of treating problem gamblers more than offset any economic benefits they bring. Other critics point out that casino gambling is addictive and can cause financial disaster for some players.
Despite their long history of scandal, casinos continue to attract millions of people each year. Many of these visitors are just passing through, but some stay for years and even become addicted to gambling. Others are simply there to try their luck and have a good time.
In addition to the usual physical security force, most casinos have a dedicated specialized surveillance department that operates their closed circuit television system (CCTV), known in the industry as “the eye in the sky.” These cameras can be adjusted to focus on specific patrons and are watched by security personnel in a separate room filled with banks of security monitors. These cameras are recorded so that if any suspicious behavior is observed, it can be reviewed later.