A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance. Modern casinos add other entertainment elements, such as restaurants and free drinks, to attract patrons, but they are fundamentally places where people can gamble in a variety of ways. Casinos can be found in cities around the world, and most of them are operated by major casino companies.

Although a small amount of skill can be involved in some games, the vast majority of casino games are based on pure chance. This gives the house an edge that it must cover, or else it cannot stay in business. Consequently, many casinos have elaborate security measures. Security personnel are constantly monitoring casino patrons to make sure that they are not attempting to cheat or steal. For example, dealers keep a close eye on their cards and dice, and are trained to spot blatant palming or marking. Table managers and pit bosses have a broader view of the action at their tables, and are trained to spot betting patterns that might indicate cheating. Casinos also use technology to supervise the actual games themselves. In some cases, betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that enables casinos to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute-by-minute, and to warn dealers of any statistical deviation from expected results.

In addition to casino gambling, some casinos offer other types of games such as sports books and horse racing. Others, such as those in Las Vegas, specialize in entertainment events such as stage shows and dramatic scenery. Some communities complain that the casino industry draws dollars away from other forms of local entertainment and causes a drop in property values.