A casino is a building or room in which gambling activities are carried out. Its defining characteristic is that it offers a variety of games of chance for money, and it adds other luxuries to attract gamblers, such as restaurants, free drinks and stage shows. Casinos also have security measures, as something about the atmosphere of gambling encourages people to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other patrons or on their own.
There are many ways to enjoy a casino, and the most popular are table games, like blackjack and roulette. These games usually have a built-in advantage for the casino, which is known as the house edge. The edge can be a small amount, but it adds up over time. This gives casinos enough money to build extravagant hotels, fountains and replicas of famous landmarks.
Security measures begin on the casino floor, where employees keep their eyes on games and patrons to ensure that everything goes as it should. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating, such as palming or marking cards or dice. Pit bosses and table managers watch over the tables with a broader view, checking to see that no one is stealing chips or changing the odds of a bet.
The most common casino games include blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat. Other games such as craps, keno and bingo are less common but still available at some casinos. Some casinos offer a variety of e-games, which are video games played on computers or mobile devices. Others have arcades that feature more traditional games such as ping-pong and bowling.