A casino is a gambling establishment that offers the opportunity for gamblers to wager money on various games of chance. It may also offer other forms of entertainment such as stage shows and dramatic scenery. A casino is usually located near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. Some casinos are operated by religious organizations or charitable foundations. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government agencies.

There are no hard figures on how many people visit casinos, but the most recent studies suggest that over 51 million Americans (over the age of 21) did so in 2002. That’s a significant number, and it suggests that the casino industry has become an important part of the American economy.

Casinos vary in size, style and services offered, but most of them are designed to maximize gambling revenues. This means that they typically accept bets from all patrons within an established limit, and that it is very difficult for a casino to lose money on its games for even one day. This mathematical expectancy of winning is sometimes referred to as the house edge.

It is possible for people to cheat or steal, either in collusion with staff or independently, and this is why casinos spend a large amount of time, effort and money on security. In addition, the routines and patterns of casino games follow certain rules that make it easier for security personnel to spot unusual activity.