A casino is a place where a variety of games of chance can be played. The modern casino adds luxuries like free drinks, restaurants and stage shows to help attract customers, but gambling is still the primary activity at most casinos. There have been less elaborate places that housed gambling activities in the past, and they could still be called casinos if they offered some of the same features.

In addition to the games of chance, most casinos also have table games that require a degree of skill, such as blackjack and poker. Some of these games also have a financial element, with the house taking a cut of the profits in the form of a rake or commission. Many casinos offer regular poker tables, and the rake is often higher for these games.

Casinos are often designed to make the patrons feel awed and special. Lush carpets and richly tiled hallways create an opulent atmosphere. The lighting is dimmed to emphasize the sense of mystery and excitement. The color red is a common motif, because it is thought to stimulate the players and make them lose track of time.

Because large amounts of money are handled inside a casino, patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. That is why casinos invest a lot of time and effort in security. In addition to the usual cameras, some casinos have catwalks in the ceiling where security can monitor the activities of the gamblers on the floor below.