A Casino is a place where people wager money on games of chance or skill. These games include traditional table games, such as blackjack and roulette, as well as slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. Some casinos offer additional entertainment options, such as live entertainment and a variety of restaurants. A casino may also be a part of a larger complex, such as a resort or hotel, or be located on the grounds of a cruise ship or other tourist attraction.

The casino business is a multibillion-dollar industry in Nevada and beyond, but not all gambling establishments are created equal. Some are more luxurious than others, offering a wide range of amenities to attract gamblers, including stage shows and dramatic scenery. Other less-ostentatious gambling houses focus more on game mechanics and playability.

Gambling is a social activity, and a casino is designed to encourage interaction between patrons. The noise and lighting are engineered to stimulate the senses, and drinks are available at all times. Casinos use bright and sometimes gaudy colors on the floor and walls to create a cheering effect. People are encouraged to interact with each other at the tables and to shout encouragement. Casino staff are trained to spot patterns and reactions that indicate a suspicious patron, and they can use cameras to monitor the whole room at once.

Because large amounts of money are handled inside a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, most casinos have strict security measures. These include video surveillance, and some use an eye-in-the-sky system that can be adjusted to target specific areas or suspicious individuals.