A casino is a place where people can gamble by playing games of chance or skill. These games may involve a combination of elements of chance and strategy, such as blackjack or roulette. They also include poker, which involves a combination of skill and luck. Casinos are found throughout the world, and they are very popular among people of all ages. In fact, according to the American Gaming Association about 51 million people—a quarter of the United States population over 21—visited casinos in 2002.
Aside from offering gambling, casinos focus on customer service. They provide perks for customers that encourage them to spend more money. A popular example is the free hotel rooms and show tickets offered to big bettors. Another example is reduced-fare transportation to and from the casino. These bonuses are called comps.
Casinos employ many security measures. They have surveillance cameras in the ceiling that allow them to look down, through one-way glass, on the activities of players at tables and slots. They also have bright and sometimes gaudy floor and wall coverings that are designed to stimulate the senses and distract players from thinking about their loss. Many casinos do not have clocks on their walls, and they use red lighting to prevent people from noticing the passing of time.
The word casino derives from a Latin word meaning “a place for gathering.” It was originally used to describe an establishment where Italians met in the nineteenth century for social occasions. In modern times, it has come to mean any place where people can gamble.