A casino, also known as a gambling hall or a gaming house, is a facility for people to gamble and play games of chance. Some casinos specialize in particular types of gambling, while others have a wide variety of gaming options. Some of the more popular games include craps, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker. In addition to gambling, many casinos offer restaurants and bars, as well as entertainment events.

The word casino has a long history, and the concept is widespread around the world. In fact, about 51 million people—a quarter of all adults over 21—visited a casino in the United States in 2002. Most of these were in Las Vegas, but the industry is expanding to other parts of the country and the world.

Casinos rely on the innate curiosity of gamblers to bring in business, and they are designed with entertainment in mind. They feature elaborate displays, high-quality food and drink, and a wide range of entertainment options, from floor shows to golf and spas.

In addition, casinos provide free or discounted goods and services to gamblers. These perks are called comps and can include everything from rooms and food to show tickets and even airfare. Casinos use them to encourage gamblers to spend more money and reward those who do.

Security is another major component of casino operations. Casino employees keep a close eye on patrons to ensure that all the rules are followed and to spot any suspicious activities. For example, the way dealers shuffle and deal cards, and where the betting spots are on table games follow specific patterns that security personnel can look for.