A casino, also called a gambling house, is an establishment offering various forms of gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, and entertainment venues. They are operated by private individuals, groups, or corporations and are regulated by government authorities. In addition to traditional table games, some casinos feature a variety of electronic and other modern gaming machines.

Some casinos are renowned for their luxury, including top-notch hotels, spas, and restaurants. Others are known for their live entertainment. Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is a famous example, hosting stars like Frank Sinatra and more recently Madonna and Celine Dion. The hotel also boasts a branch of New York’s swank Le Cirque restaurant and Hermes and Chanel boutiques.

In the United States, casinos are most commonly found in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Since the 1980s, however, casinos have opened on American Indian reservations and in other states not subject to state antigambling laws. They have also spread to countries in Europe and Asia.

The advantage of casino games is that the operator can guarantee a profit, mathematically speaking, for every bet placed within an established limit. This virtually assures that the casino will not lose money on any particular game, even if it is played perfectly. This assurance of profitability is why casinos offer extravagant inducements to big bettors, such as free spectacular entertainment, luxury living quarters, reduced-fare transportation, and food and drinks while gambling.

Despite the legal advantages of casino gambling, it can be tempting for players and dealers to cheat. As a result, casinos employ numerous security measures to ensure the honesty and fairness of the games. These include cameras, a system of “chip tracking” that monitors betting chips to prevent fraud, and routine inspections of roulette wheels and other mechanical devices.