In the United States, a casino or gambling hall is a public place where people can play games of chance. Some of these games require skill, such as blackjack and poker; others, like roulette and craps, are purely chance. In general, the house has a mathematical advantage over the gamblers; this edge is known as the house edge. Casinos often offer complimentary items or comps to their customers in order to attract them and increase their profits.

The casino industry has many security measures to ensure the safety of their patrons. Elaborate surveillance systems provide a high-tech eye in the sky that can detect unusual movements. Observers also patrol the floor and monitor the game activities. In addition, casinos use special devices to track the movements of players on the gaming table.

Casinos are popular places to spend time and money. They attract people of all ages and backgrounds. In 2005, the average casino patron was a forty-six-year-old woman from a household with above-average income. The majority of these individuals were employed full-time.

In addition, a large number of Americans are addicted to gambling and generate a disproportionate amount of revenue for the casinos. However, some economists point out that the social costs associated with compulsive gambling cancel out any economic gains. This includes the cost of treatment for problem gambling and lost productivity among the gambling addicts. Therefore, the net effect of a casino on a local economy is often negative.