A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming hall, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are stand-alone buildings, while others are combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops or other tourist attractions. Casinos are primarily operated by private interests, but some are owned by local governments.

There are several kinds of casino games, including gaming machines and table games. Gaming machines are based on the selection of random numbers or symbols and are usually conducted by automated devices. Table games include baccarat, chemin de fer, blackjack, and craps. Some casinos offer poker tables, and may be staffed by croupiers, who are trained dealers. Casinos often offer additional live entertainment, such as concerts, stand-up comedy or theater productions.

Modern casinos are regulated by law, and the casino industry is closely watched for signs of illegal activity. Casino security is usually divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The two departments work together to ensure the safety of patrons and property. The security personnel are trained to spot suspicious behavior, and casinos have strict rules about not letting gamblers take their winnings from the premises. In addition, casinos typically monitor player activity to spot problem gamblers and prevent them from returning to the table. For this reason, it is important to start with a fixed amount of money that you are willing to lose and to stick to that amount.