A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Its design is intended to influence patron behavior. Casinos are most often built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos host live entertainment such as concerts and sports events. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities.
In the United States, casinos are primarily located in cities with large populations of tourists, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, they are also found on Indian reservations and in other jurisdictions where gambling is legal. Casinos are often staffed with security guards and have cameras throughout the premises to deter cheating and theft. Because of the large amount of money that they handle, casinos are a target for thieves and cheats, both in collusion with employees and independently. For this reason, they are usually heavily secured and have extensive rules about player conduct.
Some casinos use scents to create a relaxing atmosphere and encourage players to gamble longer. For example, one study showed that people who played slots while listening to a low-tempo soundtrack spent 45% more time on the machines than those who heard high-tempo music. Casinos may also play music to elicit particular emotions, such as happiness or anger. Moreover, some casinos have windowless rooms that are designed to be cozy and intimate. Others feature labyrinth-like walkways lined with enticing slot machines. These layouts are designed to keep players from leaving and encourage them to make larger bets.