A casino (also called a gambling house, cabaret or gaming palace) is an establishment where people can play a variety of games of chance for money. Casinos also offer other entertainment options such as live music, shows, and dining. In addition, some casinos are combined with hotels or resorts.

Modern casinos are designed to appeal to the senses of visitors. In addition to offering a wide selection of casino games, they usually have lush carpets, richly tiled hallways and carefully controlled lighting to create an atmosphere of luxury and excitement. In some casinos, a large prize, such as a sports car or an expensive vacation, may be displayed prominently to draw attention and encourage players to gamble.

The most popular casino games are slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker. The profits from these games provide most of the billions of dollars that casinos rake in every year. Casinos make even more money from table games where the player competes against other players, such as baccarat and craps. In these games, the casino earns a commission on the amount of money that is wagered and a portion of the winnings from other players. In these games, the casino employs specialized mathematicians and computer programmers to develop and maintain strategies that maximize the amount of money that is won by players.

Due to the large amounts of cash handled, casinos are often targets for crime. In order to minimize the risk of theft and fraud, most casinos use surveillance technology and employ a specialized security department to patrol and monitor the premises.