A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of gambling activities. Some casinos also offer hotels, restaurants, non-gambling game rooms and other amenities such as pools and spas. The term casino may also refer to a specific building or group of buildings that are specifically dedicated to gaming.

Despite the fact that most games of chance are inherently risky, many people like to gamble. In 2008, 24% of Americans visited a casino. The vast majority of casino visitors were over the age of forty-six, and most of them were females from households with above-average incomes.

Casinos make money by charging a small percentage of each bet placed to cover their operating costs and generate a profit. This is known as the house edge, and it varies between games. For example, baccarat has a lower house edge than roulette or blackjack. Casinos may also offer complimentary items to attract and reward high-spending customers, known as comps.

While most casino patrons are honest, some cheaters do exist. This is why casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. The first line of defense is on the casino floor, where casino employees keep an eye on everything that happens. Dealers are especially vigilant and can easily spot blatant cheating such as palming or marking cards or switching dice. Other security measures include cameras in every room and a network of hidden microphones that can be tuned into any conversation.