A casino, also known as a gaming house or a gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can gamble. It is most often associated with games of chance, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and bingo. Casinos may also have other entertainment features, such as bars, restaurants, and shows. Some casinos are located in resorts and other tourist destinations, while others are standalone facilities.

Security is a major concern in casino operations. The large amounts of money handled within casinos can encourage cheating and stealing, either by patrons or staff. To combat these dangers, casinos employ a variety of security measures. These include cameras, the use of croupiers to deal cards, and tables with specific layouts and locations for bets. In addition, many casinos have routinely scheduled electronic monitoring of their games to detect statistical deviations from expected results.

Casinos generate most of their income from the vig or rake, a percentage of the bets placed on their machines. This can vary by game and by location, but it is a significant source of revenue for the casinos. In addition, casinos often reward frequent patrons with comps (gifts or free services), such as rooms, food, show tickets, or limo service. These inducements are designed to keep people playing and spending money at the casino. This in turn maximizes the casino’s vig, and ultimately its profits. In some countries, such as the United States, casinos are licensed and regulated by the government.