A casino is a building or room where various games of chance, such as poker, blackjack, and roulette are played for entertainment and the opportunity to win money. Gambling, on the other hand, is a more general term that can refer to any betting or wagering on an uncertain outcome.
The casino industry thrives on its ability to encourage gamblers to spend more and more of their money in order to increase the chances of winning big. To do this, casinos provide a variety of luxury amenities, including free drinks and stage shows, to keep the gambling experience exciting and entertaining.
Something about gambling—perhaps the fact that large sums of money are involved—seems to inspire people to cheat or steal, either in collusion with fellow gamblers or on their own. As a result, casinos must invest a great deal of time and money into security. In addition to armed guards and surveillance cameras, many casinos employ other measures to prevent crime. For example, roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect any statistical deviations from their expected results.
Besides offering a variety of different casino games, the best casinos also offer world class hotels, spas, and restaurants. Some even have their own stage shows and dramatic scenery. Some of the most famous casinos in the world are the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, and the Hotel Baden-Baden in Germany.