A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons gamble by placing bets against the house, also known as the “banker”. Most casinos offer a variety of gambling games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. They also offer entertainment shows and restaurants. Casinos are located in cities and resorts, tourist destinations, Native American reservations, and on riverboats.

Every game offered by a casino has a built-in statistical advantage for the house, called the “vig” or “rake.” The advantage can be very small, less than two percent, but it adds up over time to make the casino profitable. The house edge is the reason why casinos are able to afford extravagant inducements to high-stakes players, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxury hotel rooms, and transportation.

The casino business is regulated in most countries by government agencies. Security is a major concern, because of the large amounts of money handled by the casinos. Casinos use various methods of security, including cameras, to prevent cheating and theft by either patrons or employees.

Casinos are often decorated with bright, sometimes gaudy colors and themes that are meant to stimulate and cheer the gamblers. Red is a common color used to attract attention and create an atmosphere of excitement. They may also have special effects to help keep the gamblers occupied and distracted, such as simulated dripping water, flashing lights, and a roaring sound track. The noise can be distracting, and some people cannot tolerate it well.