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, while others are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops or other tourist attractions. The term may also refer to an area in a city dedicated to gambling, such as the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.

Modern casinos offer a wide variety of games to their patrons. These include slot machines, video poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Most games have mathematically determined odds that ensure the house always has an edge over the players. To offset this advantage, casinos frequently offer incentives to gamblers. These can take the form of free drinks, food, hotel rooms, or spectacular entertainment. Some casinos charge a cover to enter, while others are free.

In some countries, the government regulates the number of casinos. This helps prevent crime and corruption. In addition, casinos must be licensed to operate. The license process is usually overseen by a provincial or state authority. Some jurisdictions also require that casino employees be trained to spot signs of addiction. Nevertheless, the industry continues to grow. In the US, for example, the regulated market includes nearly 30 casinos. Casinos have also appeared on Indian reservations, where they are not subject to state laws. This has led to a great deal of competition between casinos and increased the importance of casino security. In order to protect their guests, casinos employ a combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments.