A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons play games of chance or skill for money. In the United States, casinos primarily feature gaming tables and slot machines. Some casinos also offer sports betting, restaurants, and entertainment. Casinos are usually regulated and licensed by state governments. The most famous casino is in Las Vegas, Nevada. Other popular casinos are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; and Puerto Rico. Several American Indian reservations have casinos as well.

The success of a casino depends on its ability to attract and retain customers. To this end, the casinos employ a variety of psychological and physical tricks. They use bright lights, gaudy floor and wall coverings, and stimulating music to arouse the senses. The color red is frequently used because it stimulates the heart rate. There are often no clocks on the casino walls because it is believed that people lose track of time when gambling.

Because of the large amounts of currency handled, casino security is a major concern. In addition to video surveillance, some casinos have catwalks over the games that allow surveillance personnel to look down directly through one-way glass at the patrons. Table managers and pit bosses watch over the table games with a more specialized eye, looking for cheating and other suspicious activity.

The most successful casinos have a high percentage of gamblers who are regulars and make large bets. These are known as “high rollers” and they usually receive special inducements, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxurious hotel rooms, and limousine transportation. Less frequent players are enticed with comps, such as free food and drinks. The casinos also keep records on each player, and this information is used to develop marketing strategies.