A Casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some also offer live entertainment. Casinos are regulated by government regulations. Many people visit casinos for the excitement and social aspect. They are designed to be noisy and lively, with flashing lights and a variety of music. People often sit around small tables, talking and betting. Some casinos have bars where alcoholic beverages can be purchased. Most gambling games have built in house advantages for the casino, but in the long run the mathematical odds are against players.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for the private corporations, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. They rake in billions each year, and state and local governments benefit from the tax revenues they generate. In the United States, casinos are typically located in areas that are primarily populated by tourists or are in cities with large numbers of residents who enjoy gambling.

Most casinos use a variety of tactics to lure gamblers into their facilities and keep them gambling as long as possible. They spend millions of dollars on research to determine what colors, sounds, and scents appeal most to people. They also employ a wide range of security measures to prevent cheating and other forms of illegal activity. A 2002 poll conducted for the Nevada Gaming Association by Gemini Research reported that when survey respondents were asked what their favorite casino game was, most chose slot machines. Card games (such as blackjack and poker) came in second, with table games (such as roulette and craps) and gambling on sports/racing events taking third and fourth place respectively.