A casino (also known as a gambling house, or a gaming room) is an establishment where people can gamble. Guests can place bets with cash or paper tickets printed with barcodes that are scanned at the tables and machines. Some casinos also offer live entertainment such as shows or concerts.

In the United States, casinos are generally located in urban areas and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other attractions. Some casinos have a historical or architectural significance; for example, the former Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, which was constructed in 1863 and is one of the world’s most famous casinos. Some casinos are also located on American Indian reservations and are not subject to state gambling laws.

Most casinos make their money through the gambling activities of its patrons. Although they may earn a small amount through food and beverages, most of their profits come from the games themselves. Each game has a specific house edge, which helps ensure that the casino will earn money over time. Skill element games such as blackjack and poker allow players to reduce the house edge with basic strategy.

A number of casinos have been the scene of scandals and criminal activity. Because of the large amounts of money that change hands, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. Therefore, casinos have extensive security measures to prevent these activities. Modern casinos have a security force that patrols the floor and a specialized surveillance department that operates closed-circuit television systems.