A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These establishments are often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. They also may be known for hosting live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy, concerts or sports events. In some cases, a casino may be named after a famous place or person.

Like any other business, casinos aim to maximize profits while keeping their customers happy. One way to do this is by encouraging patrons to stay longer and gamble more. Another is by providing attractive incentives to players, such as free shows and hotel rooms. The design of a casino should support these goals, and many casinos have worked to incorporate features that promote their brand and encourage visitors to spend more time at the tables.

Security is another important aspect of any casino. Because large amounts of cash are handled within the facility, both patrons and staff members are at risk for theft or cheating. To combat this, most casinos employ multiple layers of security. On the casino floor, dealers keep their eyes peeled for blatant cheating such as palming or marking, while pit bosses and table managers maintain a broader view of the tables to ensure that patrons are not colluding or stealing from each other.

Finally, comps are a popular way to reward loyal patrons. These free goods or services are given to players based on their amount of play and the amount they wager. Examples include free hotel rooms, show tickets and food. Some casinos even offer limo service and airline tickets to the most frequent players.