A casino is a gambling establishment that accepts wagers on games of chance. Casinos may also offer other forms of entertainment, such as musical shows and lighted fountains, and they often have lavish hotels. Despite the flashy exteriors, casinos are primarily places for gambling and earn billions in profits each year from their patrons.

A modern casino uses various technological tools to ensure that its patrons are treated fairly and the institution’s assets are protected. These include cameras, which are used both for general surveillance and to monitor specific games. In addition, many casinos use “chip tracking,” where betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that enable the casino to oversee exactly how much is wagered on each game at a given time and be alerted of any suspicious activity. Computers also monitor the results of individual table games, allowing casino employees to quickly discover any statistical deviation from expected averages.

Depending on the particular game, some casinos have skill elements that can eliminate the inherent long-term advantage of the house, known as the house edge. Players who possess sufficient skills to beat the house edge are called advantage players. Casinos may also pay a commission to advantage players who place bets on their behalf, known as the rake.

Although some casinos specialize in specific games, all operate a variety of tables and slot machines that are popular with visitors. Some of the more popular casino games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Keno. In addition, many modern casinos feature a Poker Room.