A casino is a facility that offers gaming machines and table games (like poker, blackjack and roulette). Guests must be of legal gambling age to enter and play. Casinos often feature entertainment shows and food and drink vendors. Many casinos also offer sports betting and horse racing.

A good casino will make its money not by giving out free stuff to people who aren’t winning, but by offering a high enough percentage of its house edge to attract gamblers. The edge can be a small amount or a lot of money, depending on the rules and how players gamble. This advantage is what gives casinos the money to build elaborate hotels, fountains, pyramids and towers that draw in the crowds.

To keep the gambling experience interesting and fun, casino designers put a lot of thought into the layouts and décor. They want the patrons to feel like they are in an exotic place, and the best way to do that is by using dark lighting to create mystery and ambiance.

Security is another major concern for casino designers. The expected actions and reactions of the various players follow patterns, and it’s easy for security personnel to spot things that are out of the ordinary. This makes a casino easier to police than a regular bar or restaurant.