Casino is a gambling establishment that accepts bets on games of chance. Casinos may also contain a variety of other entertainment features, such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centers. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by the government. Most casinos are located in major cities or tourist destinations. Some casinos are incorporated as private companies and owned by individuals or corporations. Others are operated by large gaming chains.

While casinos offer a range of games, the vast majority of their profits come from a small number of popular and highly profitable games. These include slot machines, craps, blackjack, roulette and baccarat. In addition to these traditional casino games, many casinos feature electronic versions of these games, and some even have live dealers.

Modern casino operations are heavily regulated to control criminal activity and ensure fair play. Security personnel monitor game play and patron behavior through cameras and other technological devices. They are trained to recognize suspicious activities and to deter criminals by enforcing rules of conduct and behavior.

Casinos are often seen as a major source of economic activity, but the effect is often offset by the negative economic impacts of problem gambling and the loss of tax revenue from the business. Studies show that people who gamble are less likely to spend money on other forms of entertainment, and the cost of treating compulsive gambling often exceeds any benefits a casino might bring to a community.