A casino is a place where games of chance are played and gambling is the main activity. While many casinos add luxuries such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows, the majority of their profits come from the games themselves. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and craps are among the most popular casino games. Each has a built in advantage for the casino (which can be as low as two percent) and over time this can add up to huge profits. The house edge can be reduced by skillful playing, but the game is still a gamble for the player.

There are many different types of casino games and each offers a different experience. The simplest games involve throwing dice or spinning a wheel, while more complex ones may require skill and strategy. Some casinos offer a combination of these, with video poker and roulette being popular examples. In addition to the regular casino games, most major casinos also feature a variety of other entertainment options such as theaters and sports betting.

Because of the large amounts of money handled in a casino, there is always the potential for cheating and theft, either by patrons or staff members. To counter this, most casinos have elaborate security measures in place. Security personnel watch the floor closely, observing the behavior of players and watching for suspicious patterns. In addition, many casinos have catwalks in the ceiling where surveillance officers can look down on the tables and slots through one-way glass.