The glitz and glamour of casinos have intrigued gamblers and non-gamblers alike for more than 200 years. Romanticized in film and literature, casino gambling evokes images of high stakes tables surrounded by the elite dressed in finery. The best casinos take decadence to the next level with opulent furnishings, overflowing bars, and an array of premium dining options.

There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are operated by one or more players and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve one or more players competing against the house (the casino), with the latter making a profit by taking a percentage of each wager. Random number games are based on the selection of numbers using a computerized random number generator.

Casinos vary in size and layout, but all operate a basic formula for turning a profit: The casino must attract enough patrons to cover its operating costs, including wages, utilities, and security. As a result, casinos must offer competitive odds on most games, or risk losing money. They may also impose minimum bets or ban certain types of bets. Despite these measures, casinos are vulnerable to cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. Because of the large amounts of cash handled within a casino, security is an especially important issue. These security measures include cameras and other detection systems.