A casino is a gambling establishment, a place where people can gamble through games of chance or skill. It also offers a variety of nongambling amenities such as restaurants and bars. Casinos are located in many countries around the world, including those that are legalized for gambling and those where it is prohibited by law. Some casinos are devoted to particular games, such as blackjack or baccarat. Others offer a wide range of casino games, such as roulette and craps. A number of them are also known for their luxurious accommodations and high-end dining options. In 2008, about 24% of Americans reported having visited a casino in the previous year.

Casinos are staffed with employees who monitor the games and patrons to prevent cheating or other violations of the rules of each game. Dealers are trained to spot blatantly obvious tricks such as palming cards or marking dice. Pit bosses and table managers keep track of the total amount of money being wagered on each game, looking for betting patterns that could indicate cheating. Elaborate surveillance systems provide an eye-in-the-sky view of the entire casino floor, with cameras constantly monitoring every window and doorway.

Casinos are businesses, and like any other business they must make a profit. In order to do this, they must attract a large enough customer base to justify the investment of money and time required to run the facility. Therefore, they must create an atmosphere that is designed to entice customers. In addition to the noisy, flashy environment, they must offer a variety of entertainment options that can appeal to a broad spectrum of the population.