A casino is a place where people play games of chance and where gambling is the primary activity. It can also refer to a specific type of casino, such as a riverboat or an Indian gaming establishment. Casinos have been used as entertainment centers since the late 19th century, and they are now an integral part of many tourism destinations, including resorts, hotels and restaurants.
Traditionally, casinos have been high-class, upscale establishments. They feature lavish décor, white-tablecloth restaurants and a full range of table games, slots and poker rooms. Many have a theme that is designed to appeal to specific markets. For example, Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is famous for its Roman-themed architecture and star-studded entertainment. It has featured performers such as Frank Sinatra, Liberace and Dolly Parton.
Casinos use various measures to ensure the integrity of their games and patrons. They may employ elaborate security systems such as an eye-in-the-sky that monitors every table, window and doorway from a control room filled with banks of monitors. They may also have surveillance cameras in the ceiling that can be focused on suspicious patrons by security workers. Casinos also enforce rules of conduct, and they prohibit certain types of attire, such as shorts or sneakers.
Casinos generate revenue by charging a fee to players for using their facilities. The money they collect from players is called gambling income and is fully taxable. In addition to this, casino owners must pay tax on any profit they make from running their casinos.