A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The games played there are regulated by the laws of the jurisdiction where the casino is located. In some countries, casinos are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops and cruise ships. Many people who visit casinos enjoy the various entertainment offerings, including live music and shows.

In the United States, casinos are mainly owned and operated by private companies. The owners of casinos compete with each other to attract gamblers and generate revenue from the guests they host. Casinos may also offer comps to frequent customers, such as free room nights or show tickets. Some of the larger operators also run loyalty programs that reward players with loyalty points, which can be redeemed for cash or other prizes.

The large amounts of money handled within casinos make them susceptible to cheating and theft, either in collusion with employees or independently. Therefore, casinos employ security measures to deter these activities. Cameras that monitor the entire casino floor are one such method. More elaborate surveillance systems include catwalks in the ceiling, which allow security personnel to look down through one-way glass at table games and slot machines from a central control room.

Most casino games are based on chance, with an element of skill involved in some, such as blackjack and video poker. The mathematically determined odds give the house an advantage over the players, which is known as the house edge. Some casinos may also collect a percentage of the money wagered by players in a game, such as baccarat, by taking a rake.