A casino is a place where people can play games of chance. They can also be a source of entertainment, especially with the addition of live shows and other amenities. Typically, these establishments offer a wide range of gaming options, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and slots. Some even have restaurants and kids zones. They are very popular with both locals and tourists.

Some of these casinos are so large that they are more like a hotel than a traditional gambling joint. Many casinos feature lavish decor, including lush carpeting and richly tiled hallways. Often, these casinos have carefully designed lighting to add to the ambiance. The goal is to make patrons feel that they are in a special place, far from the drab everyday world.

Because of the large amounts of money involved, both patrons and employees of a casino can be tempted to cheat or steal. This is why most casinos have security measures in place. These include a system of cameras located throughout the casino. These are monitored by security staff in a control room. They can be adjusted to focus on specific suspicious patrons. They can also be used to catch people who attempt to tamper with slot machines.

In addition to ensuring the safety of patrons, casinos have to take care of their own profits. This is why they have built-in advantages that ensure that they will win in the long run. This is known as the house edge.