A casino is a gambling establishment where people play various games of chance for money. It can be found in cities, states and countries around the world. It is known for its high stakes, glamorous atmosphere and wide variety of games. Some casinos also offer stage shows and fine dining, which are great distractions for those who are trying to win big.

There is also something about casinos that encourages people to cheat, steal and scam their way into a jackpot. This is why casinos spend a lot of time and effort on security. A friend of mine once worked security in a casino and had to quit after 3 months because he was so sick of the number of people who would stand at slot machines soiling themselves because they believed they were on a winning streak.

In order to prevent this kind of fraud, casinos have elaborate surveillance systems and cameras. They also enforce rules of conduct and behavior, such as requiring players to keep their cards visible at all times. Many casinos also have a dedicated staff that watches the video feeds in a special room full of banked screens.

Besides surveillance cameras, casinos often employ bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings to stimulate the senses and make the players lose track of time. They also avoid using clocks, because they believe that if the players see the time it will distract them from playing.