A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a wide variety of gaming opportunities. It may also contain restaurants, bars and other entertainment facilities. Casinos are a popular source of recreation and some form of gambling is legal in many countries. Some people are addicted to gambling and this can cause serious problems. Casinos are often criticized for the economic impact they have on communities. They tend to divert money from other forms of local entertainment and the costs of treating compulsive gamblers can offset any profits casinos make.
Most casinos are designed around noise, light, and excitement. They have a huge variety of games and are constantly introducing new ones to keep patrons interested. Many of the games are played against other players and are often social in nature. Casinos are also characterized by their elaborate surveillance systems. They use cameras that can watch every table and even individual players. The lighting is bright and sometimes gaudy and the sounds of bells, whistles, and clang of coins are constant. Many people are attracted to the flashing lights of casino slot machines and more than 15,000 miles (24,100 km) of neon tubing is used in the casinos along the Las Vegas Strip.
In the twentieth century, casinos have become more sophisticated and offer a wider range of amenities to attract and retain patrons. They now offer free drinks, stage shows and other forms of entertainment as well as gaming. Some casinos also have a separate room for high rollers who bet large amounts of money. These gamblers receive comps such as free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows and even limo service and airline tickets.