A casino is a gambling establishment where people play games of chance or skill for money. Casinos can be found in many cities around the world and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other entertainment attractions. People play a variety of casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Some casinos also offer shows and other live entertainment. Most casinos are licensed by a government authority and are regulated by that body. In the United States, the majority of casinos are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. A small number of casinos are located in other places, such as Indian reservations and on cruise ships.

A successful casino can make billions of dollars each year for its owners, investors, and workers. The profits from casino games benefit a wide range of organizations, such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies. In addition, the revenues help boost tourism in the local area.

Guests at casinos may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other patrons or on their own. To deter these actions, most casinos have various security measures. These may include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. In addition, some casinos have catwalks above the slot machine floor, which allow surveillance personnel to look directly down through one-way glass.

In 2008, over half of casino gamblers indicated that they preferred slot machines and other electronic gaming devices. Blackjack was the second most popular game, followed by poker and craps. Some casinos also feature sports betting, and some offer high-limit table games like chemin de fer and trente et quarante.