A casino is a gambling establishment where a variety of games of chance can be played. Typically, these games include poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno. In addition to gambling, casinos have restaurants, bars and other entertainment. Some also have hotel accommodations. Some casinos are also used for sports betting.

In modern times, casinos have become a significant source of employment, particularly for females and Asians. In the United States, there are more than 2,000 casinos. Many are owned by corporations or private individuals, while others are run by government-owned enterprises.

Casinos have security measures in place to protect their patrons and assets. These range from cameras and video screens to trained personnel and strict rules of conduct. Security starts on the casino floor, where employees have a close eye on gamblers and the games for signs of cheating or security violations. Dealers are trained to spot blatant cheating, such as palming cards or marking dice. Table managers and pit bosses have a more sweeping view of the tables, monitoring betting patterns and noting any statistical deviations from expected results.

Casinos make money by charging a small percentage of each bet to the players who play their games. This charge, known as the “house edge,” ensures that the casino will ultimately win the vast majority of bets placed. It is this virtual guarantee of gross profit that enables casinos to offer big bettors extravagant inducements, such as free spectacular shows, luxury transportation and elegant living quarters.