A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money. Gambling is legal in some places and prohibited in others. Most casinos are owned by governments, private companies, or Native American tribes. They make billions each year. Casinos offer a variety of gambling experiences, from video slots and table games to sports betting and poker. Many casinos also feature dining and entertainment options.

Most people think of a casino as a massive Las Vegas resort, but they come in all shapes and sizes. In addition to the giants, some casinos are small businesses that specialize in one type of gambling, such as a card room. Casinos can also be found on ships and at racetracks, where they are known as racinos. In some states, casinos are even allowed to operate on land leased from the government.

Something about casinos seems to encourage people to try to cheat or scam their way into a jackpot. As a result, casinos have strict security measures. Modern casinos employ a combination of physical security forces and specialized electronic surveillance systems to prevent crime.

The success of a casino depends on its ability to draw in gamblers. To accomplish this task, casinos appeal to all of the senses: bright lights and glitzy décor attract visual attention, while bells, whistles, and clangs stimulate the ears. To please the eyes, more than 15,000 miles (24,100 km) of neon tubing illuminate casinos along the Las Vegas Strip.