A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance. Casinos make their money by charging a small percentage of each bet, known as the house edge, to cover the costs of operation and provide a profit. Historically, casinos have earned a large portion of their profits from slot machines. Today, casinos also earn a significant portion of their profits from poker, video game and table games. A few casinos specialize in creating new games of chance to attract patrons and keep them returning.

Casinos are a major source of income for many cities and states. However, economic studies indicate that the net impact of a casino on a local community is negative, due to the shift in spending from other local entertainment venues and the cost of treating problem gamblers.

Most people think of a casino when they hear the word, and they picture one of the huge Las Vegas megaresorts adorned with flashing lights and games. While some casinos are massive, most are smaller, and they can be found all over the world.

Casinos are designed to appeal to the senses of sight, sound and touch. The rooms are decorated with bright colors that stimulate the brain, and the sound of coins dropping, clangs and bells is constant. The floors are covered with colorful patterns, and the walls are often draped in red. It is thought that the color red makes gamblers lose track of time, so there are no clocks on the walls of a casino.