Casino is an establishment offering chances to win money through games of chance or with an element of skill. Most casinos offer table games conducted by live croupiers, electronic gaming machines, and poker tournaments. In addition, many modern casinos also host non-gambling events such as concerts and comedy acts.

Most games of chance give the house a mathematical advantage, known as the house edge (or vig). Those with a significant skill element, such as blackjack, allow players to eliminate the inherent long-term disadvantage by playing optimally. Players who do this are called advantage players. The casino makes its money by charging a commission, or rake, on bets placed on the game.

The popularity of casinos has led to their widespread legalization. Most states now allow gambling on Indian reservations and some have regulated riverboat casinos. During the 1980s, casinos began to open in Atlantic City and spread throughout the United States. In the 1990s, casinos also started to open on some American Indian reservations, where they were not subject to state anti-gambling laws.

Although many people gamble to enjoy themselves, some have a serious problem with addiction. Those who have the tendency to gamble excessively may end up spending all their income and even borrowing money from friends and family. They may also develop a dependency on alcohol or other drugs and may lose control of their behavior. To protect their patrons from these problems, casinos employ security measures to prevent cheating and theft by both patrons and staff. These measures include surveillance cameras and a dedicated security department.