A casino is an establishment where certain types of gambling activities are carried out. It may also contain a variety of other entertainment features such as restaurants, bars, stage shows, and/or retail shops. Casinos can also be combined with hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and/or other tourist attractions. The casino has been portrayed in many books and films, such as Ben Mezrich’s “Busting Vegas” and the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven.

A modern casino has several security measures in place to prevent cheating and other criminal activity. These typically include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the use of closed circuit television, or “CCTV.”

Most casinos offer a wide variety of games. Some are very lavish, such as those on the Las Vegas Strip, and try to impress guests with their luxury and exotic decor. The design is intended to make patrons forget about the passing of time, and many casinos use dark lighting to create an ambiance of mystery and excitement.

Some casinos cater to high rollers, who gamble with a large amount of money. These individuals are often given VIP treatment, including private rooms and personal attention from staff members. The casinos make most of their profits from these high rollers, who spend much more than the average customer.

Despite the apparent randomness of casino games, they have a number of built-in advantages that ensure the house will win. This is referred to as the house edge, and it varies by game. Some games, such as blackjack and roulette, have a low house edge, while others, like slot machines and poker, have a higher one.