A casino is an establishment for gambling. Customers gamble by playing games of chance or, less often, skill. Most casino games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house always has an advantage over players. This advantage is referred to as the house edge and varies by game. Some casinos earn money by charging a commission, known as the rake, on certain table games; this revenue stream is especially important for small player-versus-player games like poker where the number of players is limited.
In addition to the games themselves, a casino typically offers food and drinks. The quality of these offerings is a significant factor in attracting and maintaining patrons. The ambiance of the place is also important, and a successful casino will create an atmosphere that appeals to its target audience.
Besides slot machines, casino patrons may also choose to play card games such as blackjack and roulette or table games such as baccarat and craps. These games are conducted by live croupiers and require some degree of skill. Other popular activities at casinos include watching sports on large screens and listening to live music. In addition, some casinos offer a range of other gambling products such as pari-mutuel betting on horse races and state lottery games.
Due to the large amounts of cash handled within casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal. Security measures are therefore a vital part of any casino operation. These may take the form of cameras and other technological devices, or simply strict rules for conduct and behavior.