A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is an enclosed facility for various forms of gambling. Casino games include slots, table games, and card games. Some casinos also offer a sports book and other live entertainment. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. In military and non-military usage, the term may also refer to a headquarters building for a unit or group of units.

In addition to a wide variety of games, casinos are characterized by loud noise and bright lights, which are designed to stimulate gamblers and heighten their sense of excitement. They offer free drinks, and waiters frequently float through the casino with alcoholic beverages. Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are available for players as well. Casinos also use sophisticated security measures, including catwalks in the ceiling that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass on slot machines and table games.

The majority of casino profits come from a few games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. These games are played against the house, which makes a profit by taking a percentage of all bets or charging an hourly fee for playing time. Despite their popularity, these games are not without their risks. Some people become addicted to gambling, which is why it is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help if you think that you or someone you know may have a problem.