A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These include poker, gaming tables and slot machines. Most casinos also feature restaurants, retail shops, and other entertainment facilities. Some casinos are built near or combined with hotels, resorts, or cruise ships.
Some casinos are known for their glamorous or luxurious atmosphere. For example, the Bellagio in Las Vegas is famous for its dancing fountains and high-end dining options. Other casinos are more modest in scope, but still provide a fun and exciting experience for guests.
Casinos use many tricks to lure gamblers and keep them playing, including flashing lights, clanging bells, and the smell of cigarettes. They also employ mathematicians and computer programmers who analyze the games in order to determine their house edge and variance. These analysts are sometimes called gaming mathematicians or gaming analysts.
In 2008, 24% of Americans had visited a casino in the previous year. This figure is up significantly from 20% in 1989. In terms of income, casino visitors are typically more wealthy than average Americans. In addition, casino patrons tend to have a higher level of education than the national average. The most common occupations for casino patrons are sales, management, engineering, and professional services. These jobs can be lucrative, as the salaries for these positions tend to be significantly higher than those of non-gaming employees. However, casino employees are less likely to receive benefits such as health insurance and vacation time.