A casino is a building or room in which people gamble. Typically it has gaming tables and slot machines, and provides services like drinks and food. It may also provide entertainment such as shows and concerts. Some casinos are operated by governments, while others are private enterprises or owned by corporations. Regardless of their size, most casinos are businesses that must make money in order to survive. They accomplish this by charging fees for games and generating revenue from other sources such as hotel rooms, restaurants, and shows. They also make a profit from the house edge and variance of their various games. This is calculated by mathematicians specializing in gambling analysis.

Because they must always make money, casinos go to great lengths to lure and keep patrons. They invest huge sums in determining what colors, sounds, and scents stimulate or depress gamblers. They have extensive lighting systems to make their facilities look exciting and cheerful. They offer food and drink to players at reasonable prices, and even free drinks and cigarette breaks while gambling. They also have a variety of attractions, such as shows and sports betting, to distract gamblers from their losses or boredom.

Despite their attempts to attract and retain gamblers, casinos are not foolproof. Both patrons and staff are occasionally tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Casino security personnel are trained to spot and deter these activities. In addition, casinos employ sophisticated surveillance technology to monitor activity and record evidence in the event of an incident.