Casino (also called Gambling House or Gambling Establishment) is a public place where a variety of games of chance are played. It includes both table and machine gambling. Casinos also feature restaurants, shows and other entertainment. Some casinos are built as part of hotels, resorts or cruise ships while others are freestanding buildings. In the United States, they have become increasingly popular.

Casinos are designed to generate maximum revenue for the owners and shareholders. This is accomplished by offering large bets to high rollers and lavish inducements to lesser players. These may include free spectacular entertainment, luxury hotel rooms and transportation, discounted food and drinks while gambling, and other perks. In addition, casinos use a wide array of surveillance systems and sophisticated computer programs to analyze player patterns and predict winning streaks.

Something about casinos seems to encourage cheating and stealing, either by patrons or staff members working in collusion. Even so, successful casinos make billions of dollars each year. Some of this money is returned to the owners and shareholders, while some goes to state and local governments, Native American tribes and other charities.

Many casinos specialize in certain games of chance, such as baccarat and blackjack. A few offer traditional Far Eastern games like sic bo, fan-tan and pai gow. In addition to these games, most have an area dedicated to sports betting, where gamblers can flick coins on American football, boxing and other events. Many casinos feature brightly colored floors and walls, often in red. This color is chosen because it stimulates the senses and makes people feel excited and cheery.