A casino, also known as a gambling hall, is a place where people can play various games of chance for money. In addition to games of chance, casinos often offer restaurants and stage shows. Many of the games played in casinos require an element of skill. Casinos make their profits by requiring players to place bets and taking a percentage of those bets, known as the house edge or vig. The casino industry is regulated by government statutes and organizations such as the Gaming Control Board in Nevada.
Casinos have a variety of methods to lure gamblers and keep them on the premises, such as free food and drinks, showy architecture, and gaudy decorations. For example, casino decor often includes red, a color that is believed to stimulate the brain and cause people to lose track of time. There are no clocks in the casino, and floors are covered with brightly colored, sometimes patterned carpeting that is designed to make people focus on the floor instead of their surroundings.
Casinos are located in many countries around the world, and they vary in size and style. Some are large resorts with multiple buildings and restaurants, while others are smaller rooms in hotels or on cruise ships. Some are located on Native American reservations or other land that is exempt from state antigambling laws, and some are in horse racetracks (racinos). In the United States, Nevada is renowned for its massive casino resorts, and Atlantic City and New Jersey are also famous for their casinos.