A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Casinos are often built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment events, such as concerts and sports. The term casino may also refer to a specific gaming machine, such as a slot machine or a poker room. In military and non-military usage, a casino (Spanish: “casino”) is an officers’ mess.

Many casino games are based on chance, but some have a skill element. Players who possess sufficient skills can eliminate the inherent long-term disadvantage of a game’s house edge or vigorish, and are known as advantage players. A small number of games have a zero-house edge, meaning that the house does not make any profit. In such cases, the house is said to be “rigged.”

Some casinos are famous for their glamour and sophistication. The Bellagio in Las Vegas, for example, is renowned for its dancing fountains and luxurious accommodations, and has been featured in many movies and TV shows. Others are famed for their history or ambiance. The Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, for instance, is one of the oldest and most prestigious casinos in Europe.

Casinos are generally regulated to prevent cheating and stealing, both by patrons and employees. Security measures vary, but usually involve some combination of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments. Some casinos also employ mathematicians to analyze and predict the behavior of gamblers, both to reduce their house edge and to detect unauthorized activity.