A casino is a place where gambling games are played. Unlike other forms of gambling, which depend primarily on luck, casino games involve an element of skill and have mathematically determined odds. Customers gamble by playing the games, and the house takes a cut of the action, called the vig or rake. Some casinos give out complimentary items to players, called comps.
Casinos are often designed to create an atmosphere of excitement and mystery, with carefully selected music and lighting. They may feature a large prize, such as a sports car, on display for all to see. In addition, casinos offer a variety of restaurants and bars, where patrons can relax and socialize.
In the United States, the largest concentration of casinos is in Las Vegas, with Atlantic City and New Jersey close behind. There are also many Native American casinos. In some states, casinos are regulated by state law.
Because large amounts of money are handled within a casino, it is important that security measures be in place to deter cheating and stealing by both patrons and employees. This is why most casinos have a multitude of cameras throughout the facility. In addition, a number of casinos have catwalks above the gaming floor, which allow security personnel to look directly down on tables and slot machines through one-way glass.
Many casinos have a history linked to organized crime. In the early days of the Vegas strip, mafia figures provided bankrolls to help establish the casinos. The mob was also willing to invest in casinos because they did not have the seamy image of illegal rackets like extortion and murder that plagued other forms of gambling.