A casino is an establishment where people can gamble and play games of chance. Many cities around the world host casinos, including the well-known Las Vegas Strip. While musical shows, lighted fountains and elaborate hotel themes help draw tourists, the vast majority of revenue comes from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette and other table games all contribute to the billions of dollars that are raked in by casinos every year.

While a small percentage of casino guests may be tempted to cheat or steal, most casinos are designed with anti-cheating measures in mind. For instance, the use of bright colors such as red is a common theme, since these colors are believed to make players lose track of time. Additionally, casino walls are often covered in mirrors that reflect the lights and make players feel as though they are constantly in motion.

Casinos also hire a number of mathematicians and computer programmers to analyze game data and performance. These individuals are called gaming analysts, and they are responsible for calculating the house edge and variance of casino games. Using this information, casinos can maximize their profits by offering certain comps to high-volume players.

In addition to gaming analysts, modern casinos employ a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The security force patrols the casino and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Meanwhile, the specialized surveillance department operates closed circuit television systems that allow casinos to monitor their guests and employees at all times.