Unlike lotteries or Internet gambling, casinos rely on human interaction to draw in patrons. They create an atmosphere of noise, light and excitement and offer a variety of table games that require strategy, decision-making and, of course, luck. These include card games like poker and blackjack, dice games such as craps, and wheel games such as roulette. Table games are often more sociable than other casino activities, as players interact directly with each other or with the game dealer. They also tend to encourage more shouting, and alcoholic beverages are readily available.

Gambling has been around for millennia, and it continues to be an integral part of many cultures worldwide. Some cultures have a long tradition of legalized gambling while others still consider it taboo or a sin. While modern technology has made it easier than ever to gamble, there are limits to how much a person can win and lose, and many casinos have taken steps to control these limits.

While some casinos have specialized in specific types of gambling, most feature an array of games and gambling devices, from traditional slot machines to the roulette wheel and the keno board. Some are banked games, with the house taking a percentage of each wager; others, such as baccarat and pai gow, are nonbanked and do not have a set payout schedule. From the opulent Las Vegas strip to the exotic spa town of Baden-Baden, there are many different kinds of casinos in operation around the world.