A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. It may be combined with a hotel, restaurant and retail shops or it may stand alone as a separate entertainment facility. The games played in casinos include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, poker and video slots. Some casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing. The concept of a casino is widespread around the world and some countries have legalized gambling as part of the economy.

Besides games of chance, modern casinos offer other activities and amenities to keep customers busy and happy. The ambiance of the casino is designed to create excitement and mystery. Casinos use color, music and lighting to set the mood. They also try to minimize patrons’ awareness of time passing by. The decor can range from simple to extravagant. The famous Las Vegas strip casinos, for instance, use opulent carpeting and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of luxury and mystery.

In addition to ambiance, casinos rely on a variety of security measures to protect their customers and property. Casinos have surveillance systems to monitor activities and to spot potential cheating by patrons and employees. They may also employ specialized technology: betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows the casino to oversee amounts wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any statistical deviation from expected results; and a variety of automated versions of classic table games allow gamblers to place their bets without a dealer.