A casino is a place where gambling takes place, and gamblers can risk money in games of chance. In the United States casinos are licensed and regulated by state law, while in Europe they are regulated by national laws. Most casinos offer a variety of games of chance, including blackjack, poker, and roulette. Some also have sports betting and race tracks. Casinos have traditionally been controlled by organized crime, but legal protections and the threat of federal prosecution have encouraged large investors such as hotel chains and real estate developers to buy out mafia interests and run their own casinos without mob interference.

Casinos make money by charging a commission to gamblers, known as the vig or rake. This can be a small percentage of the total amount wagered, but it can add up over time to a substantial profit for the casino. Casinos also generate revenue from other sources such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment events.

Most casinos have security measures to protect patrons and property. These include a high level of personal attention from dealers, who can spot cheating or other violations; surveillance cameras located throughout the casino; and catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look down on the tables through one-way glass. In addition, many casinos use technology to supervise the games: betting chips with built-in microcircuitry allow for accurate tracking of the amounts bet minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover any statistical deviation from their expected results.