A casino is an establishment that primarily offers gambling activities. It may also offer other entertainment, such as live performances or sports. The term is generally used for large, upscale places that offer a wide variety of gaming options, like slot machines and table games. In addition, they often have a restaurant or several bars, and provide services such as free drinks or other amenities for players. A casino is not required to be a hotel, but many are located in or near hotels and resorts. The largest casinos are in Las Vegas, but they exist worldwide.

There is a wide range of casino gambling games available, from traditional table games such as poker and blackjack to more exotic offerings such as roulette and baccarat. Some casinos also feature a large selection of video poker machines. Most casinos limit the house edge on these games to less than 1 percent, but some offer a lower percentage and still others do not set a minimum advantage at all.

The gambling industry has a reputation for being loosely regulated and prone to corruption, but the truth is that there are no absolute rules. Gambling is often an addictive activity, and some people lose control of their spending. In some cases, the cost of treating compulsive gamblers and lost productivity due to addiction offset any profits that a casino might earn. For these reasons, casinos devote a significant amount of time and money to security. Modern casinos usually have a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors the premises using closed circuit television.