A casino is a gambling establishment where people play various games of chance, and in some cases with an element of skill. Popular games include blackjack, craps, roulette, video poker and baccarat. Casinos also offer dining, entertainment and top-notch hotels.

Gambling is a highly addictive pastime, and some people develop a serious gambling disorder that affects their daily functioning. Studies show that compulsive gambling imposes costs on the community, including lost productivity, increased health care expenses and social disruption. Casinos have a unique opportunity to address gambling addiction by providing treatment programs, counseling and support groups.

Casinos have evolved into modern-day attractions, with musical shows, lighted fountains and shopping centers attracting crowds of people. The vast majority of casinos’ profits, however, come from the billions of dollars in bets placed by customers each year. The house edge in each game—the statistical advantage the casino has over the player—is typically less than two percent.

Due to the large amounts of money handled, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with one another or independently. For this reason, casinos spend a great deal of time and money on security measures. Elaborate surveillance systems employ cameras that can monitor the entire casino floor at once. They can be directed to zoom in on suspicious patrons, and some even have a “no-show” button that keeps the camera focused on a table where no players are sitting.