A casino, also known as a gaming house or gambling establishment, is an establishment where people can play games of chance. The casino industry is regulated by government laws in many countries, and it is legal for patrons to gamble within certain limits.

In addition to gambling, a casino may offer other types of entertainment such as live music and stage shows. Most casinos feature a selection of table games, such as poker and blackjack. They also feature slot machines and other electronic games. In some cases, a casino may have a dedicated area for sports betting.

Some casinos use advanced technology to ensure fairness and prevent cheating. For example, chip tracking systems monitor the amount of money wagered minute-by-minute and can warn dealers quickly when a player’s behavior deviates from the expected norm. Other examples are computerized roulette wheels and dice that have built-in microcircuitry to detect any deviations from their expected values.

With so much cash handled, both patrons and staff of a casino can be tempted to cheat or steal, in collusion or independently. To discourage these actions, most modern casinos are equipped with surveillance cameras. Those that use a combination of physical security forces and specialized departments for surveillance work have been particularly successful at preventing crime. The most renowned of these casinos is the Monte Carlo, which has been featured in a number of James Bond novels and films. Another is the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, Germany, which first attracted European royalty and aristocracy over 150 years ago and now draws visitors from around the world looking to experience the thrills they see in casino-themed movies.