A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming establishment, is a place where people can play various games of chance for money or other rewards. A casino may also offer food and drinks, and most have luxury suites for high-rollers. Casinos are found around the world and are popular with tourists and locals alike. They are often associated with glamour, wealth and excitement.

In the modern world casinos are a major source of revenue for cities and states, with some of the biggest and best located in international tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, Monaco and Macau. They also provide jobs and boost the economy of nearby areas. The gambling industry has also been criticized for encouraging crime and addiction, and many states have banned or restricted it.

Casinos have large amounts of cash and valuables on the premises, making them susceptible to theft by both patrons and employees. As a result, casinos spend a lot of time and money on security. Most modern casinos have a dedicated physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. In addition, technology has been incorporated into the gaming tables themselves; for example, chips with built-in microcircuitry allow them to be tracked minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any abnormal deviations from expected results.

Casinos are generally regulated by government bodies and have specific rules and procedures that must be followed. Staff are trained to deal with any suspicious behavior and report it immediately. Because of the large sums of money involved, casinos are always on the lookout for people trying to cheat or steal.