A casino is a place where people can gamble. Casinos can be big or small, legal or illegal, and they can have a wide range of games. Many casinos also offer other amenities, such as restaurants and hotels. In addition to gambling, casinos often have live entertainment and other attractions for visitors to enjoy.

A large number of people gamble in casinos, both legally and illegally. The American Gaming Association reports that 51 million Americans visited a casino in 2002. That’s the equivalent of almost a quarter of all Americans over 21. The number of casino visitors worldwide is likely to be much higher. Casinos are found everywhere, from the Vegas Strip to New York’s Chinatown. They are often crowded and noisy places, but they can be quiet and relaxing too.

Most casinos have a theme or style that they try to convey to their patrons. They may have richly decorated carpets or lavish hallways. The lighting is usually dimmed to add to the mood and to make patrons feel that they are in a special place. Decorative objects, such as sports memorabilia or pieces of art, are frequently displayed.

Some casinos have elaborate security systems to keep their patrons safe. For example, many have cameras in the ceiling that can be used to watch every table, window, and doorway. Video feeds can be monitored from a separate room filled with banks of monitors. These cameras are adjusted and focused on suspicious patrons by security personnel.