A casino is a gambling establishment where people play games of chance and money. It may have a hotel, restaurant and stage shows. There are many types of games, but most casino gamblers play card games and slot machines. Some casinos have high limits and attract big bettors. Others have lower limits and cater to smaller players. Casinos make money by adding a built-in advantage to the games they offer, which can be as low as two percent. The advantage is called the vigorish or rake, and it can be adjusted for different games.

The vigorish helps casinos afford elaborate facilities, such as fountains, giant pyramids and towers and replicas of famous landmarks. It also enables them to pay for extravagant incentives for big bettors. For example, some American casinos allow players to earn free hotel rooms, dinners and tickets to shows in return for playing large amounts of time on certain games or occupying specific tables. Casinos offer these inducements to encourage gamblers to spend money in a way that will yield a profit.

Gambling is a social activity, which means that many casinos are designed around noise and light to create a lively atmosphere in which patrons can interact with other gamblers. The floors and walls are often brightly colored, such as green or red, to stimulate gamblers and help them forget the passage of time. The lights and noise may be jarring to some people, however, especially if they are accustomed to quieter surroundings at home or work.