A casino is an establishment where gambling games (like blackjack, roulette, poker and craps) are played. It may also include entertainment such as shows and live sports events. Modern casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are operated by government-licensed gambling operators. Many states have laws regulating the operation of casinos.

In the United States, the majority of casinos are located in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Outside of these areas, there are also casinos in American Indian reservations and on cruise ships. Some states have laws allowing casino gambling, while others ban it or limit it to specific operations.

Besides the games of chance, casino patrons can also gamble using various forms of skill. These games are called casino games, and they include poker, baccarat, craps, and video poker. Many of these games have mathematically determined odds, and the house has an advantage over players – this is known as the house edge. The casino profits from the games by taking a commission on player bets, which is referred to as rake.

Because of the large amounts of money handled in a casino, it is easy for both employees and patrons to cheat and steal. To prevent this, most casinos employ numerous security measures. These range from basic rules and procedures to sophisticated surveillance systems. Security personnel patrol the floor and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The newest casinos employ a high-tech “eye-in-the-sky” surveillance system, with cameras watching every table, window, and doorway.