A casino is a place that offers various games of chance for entertainment purposes. The games offered in a casino are often referred to as table games, slot machines, video poker, or roulette. Some casinos also have restaurants and stage shows. The casino concept was first developed in Europe during the 16th century as a way to entertain wealthy patrons who favored gambling over other leisure activities. Casinos today are much more lavish than their ancestors, with many featuring multiple gaming floors and elaborate scenery, but they still offer a variety of games of chance.

Although it is possible for players to cheat and steal in collusion or independently, most casinos employ several security measures to prevent these problems. For example, security cameras are common throughout a casino. Other methods include rules that require players to keep their cards visible at all times, and the use of specialized chips with built-in microcircuitry to track bets. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviations from their expected results.

Casinos are generally brightly lit, and the sound of bells, clang of coins dropping, and buzz of conversation add to the atmosphere. They also feature a wide range of decorative elements, including expensive carpets and fabrics, colorful lighting, and art. Humans are attracted to the color red, so casinos frequently use it on walls, floor coverings, and furniture. There are no clocks on the walls, because a ticking clock can cause people to lose track of time and gamble more than they intend.