A casino is a place where people can gamble by playing games of chance or skill. The games usually involve a game board, cards or dice and sometimes a physical object such as a wheel. In some games players compete against the house and in others they play against each other. The house always has a mathematical advantage over the player and this is referred to as the house edge. The casinos make their money through the rake (commission) taken from each game played by the patrons.

The casino industry is a major source of revenue for private businesses, public enterprises and Native American tribes. Successful casinos make billions of dollars each year for the owners, investors and employees. Casinos also generate taxes for local governments.

In addition to offering games of chance and poker, some casinos feature restaurants, bars and shopping. In some cases they are located on waterfronts and offer a view of the ocean or river. They may also feature live entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians. They are often designed with bright and gaudy decor that is meant to stimulate the senses and rouse the gambler. The use of red, which is thought to evoke a strong emotional response, is a common motif. In addition, most casinos do not display clocks, because they are designed to make customers lose track of time and concentrate on their gambling activities. They also have catwalks in the ceiling, enabling security personnel to watch gamblers from above through one-way glass.