A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play games of chance and win money. Some casinos also contain a stage show or other entertainment, while others serve alcohol and provide restaurants. Casinos often feature a luxurious atmosphere and are located in cities with high-end hotels. A few have a more relaxed vibe and are located in less upscale areas of the city. Many tourists travel the world to gamble in new casinos, while others stumble upon them by accident.

While lighted fountains, musical shows and shopping centers help draw in the crowds, the vast majority of a casino’s profits come from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games provide the billions of dollars in earnings that casinos rake in each year.

Security is a top priority in casinos, which employ a variety of strategies to ensure patrons’ safety and the integrity of their games. Dealers keep a close eye on their tables, looking for blatant cheating (like palming or marking) and are trained to spot betting patterns that may signal dishonest behavior. A pit boss or table manager oversees each game, making sure that no one is stealing chips and keeping tabs on their winnings or losses.

In addition to sophisticated surveillance systems, many casinos have catwalks above the gaming floor that allow security personnel to look down on every table and slot machine. Windows and clocks are rarely found in a casino, as the lack of natural light and chiming clocks helps patrons lose track of how much time they’ve spent gambling.