A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment where people can play games of chance. These games include slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. Some casinos are combined with hotels, resorts or restaurants and offer additional entertainment options such as live music or comedy shows. Other casinos specialize in certain types of gambling, such as horse racing or lottery-type games. Some are located in major cities, while others are spread throughout the country. Some casinos are operated by government-sanctioned organizations, while others are owned and run by private companies or Native American tribes.

A successful casino makes billions of dollars each year, generating income for owners and employees as well as the local, state and federal governments. The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with glitzy theme buildings, restaurants, shopping centers and dazzling entertainment, but it would not exist without the games of chance that give patrons a mathematical expectancy of winning.

Something about the nature of gambling encourages cheating and stealing by both players and workers, whether in collusion or independently. This is why casinos devote a large portion of their resources to security. In addition to a physical security force, most casinos employ specialized surveillance departments that monitor activity closely and are alert to any anomalies. Some casinos also offer players perks known as comps, which reward their play with free hotel rooms, meals and show tickets. In some casinos, these are given to everyone, while in others, they are reserved for high-spending patrons who spend long hours at the tables or slots.