A casino, also called a gambling house, is a place where people can gamble. Customers place bets by playing games of chance or skill, and the house takes a commission or “rake” from each game. The most common casino games are roulette, craps, baccarat, and blackjack. Casinos have many built-in advantages that ensure that, on average, the house will win. These advantages are mathematically determined and are known as the house edge.

Something about gambling (probably the presence of large amounts of money) seems to encourage people to cheat or steal, and casinos spend a great deal of time, effort, and money on security. Modern casinos use video cameras and computers to monitor everything that goes on inside and around the casino floor, and they are able to detect even the slightest statistical deviations from expected results.

Casinos are often lavishly decorated with expensive furniture and bright lighting to create an exciting and mysterious atmosphere. Their design aims to keep patrons entertained and make them forget about the fact that they are losing money. This is especially important for high-rollers, who can easily spend millions of dollars in one visit. Many casinos have bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options in addition to the gaming floor. They are usually located in busy, well-lit areas with easy access to transportation and shopping. They also feature prominently displayed jackpots and other prizes that attract attention. They are also a popular destination for tourists.