A casino is an establishment that offers various types of gambling. These include table games like blackjack and roulette, card games such as poker, and electronic machines that accept paper tickets or coins. Most casinos also offer food and drink, and some even host live entertainment. Successful casinos bring in billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. Local governments benefit from the taxes and fees that casinos generate.

While many people associate casino gambling with Las Vegas, there are actually more than 1,000 of them around the world. Many of these are part of larger resorts that also feature restaurants, spas, and other amenities. Others are stand-alone gambling houses, like the famous Bellagio in Las Vegas. Still, some are more modest in size and scope.

In the modern era, casinos are increasingly using technology to boost security and improve the odds for gamblers. In some cases, this includes chips with built-in microcircuitry that monitors game play minute by minute; automated versions of games such as craps and baccarat; and wheel-monitored systems that instantly discover any statistical deviation from expected results.

To attract and retain customers, casinos also offer perks such as free rooms and meals. They may also create special areas that cater to high-stakes gamblers. These VIP rooms are usually located away from the main floor and can feature games with minimum bets in the tens of thousands of dollars. To help gamblers make sound decisions, casinos also employ mathematicians and computer programmers who analyze the house edge and variance of different games.