A casino is a facility which offers various types of gambling. Some casinos specialize in a certain type of gambling, such as poker or horse racing. Others offer more diverse forms of gambling, such as slot machines and table games. Casinos are usually located in towns and cities with a large population and offer various entertainment options to local residents and tourists.
Modern casinos are regulated by law and have to follow certain rules in order to protect players. They employ both physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. The latter operate closed-circuit television systems (CCTV), often called the eye in the sky, that monitor all activity within the casino. They also use catwalks that allow them to look down, through one-way glass, on gamblers at table games and slots.
Casinos are generally required to have specific age requirements for gamblers. Those who want to play on the casino floor must be at least 21 years old, while those who wish to place a bet at a sportsbook or racetrack must be at least 18. Some states have specific laws that require casinos to provide counseling and other services for problem gamblers. In addition, many casinos have dedicated hotlines and self-exclusion programs.