A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos feature a wide range of gaming options, such as slot machines and table games. Many also offer restaurants, hotels, and entertainment events. Some casinos are located on cruise ships or in other tourist destinations, and some are operated by Native American tribes. The word casino is derived from the Italian phrase caasuola, meaning “small clubhouse.”

The modern casino is like an indoor amusement park for adults, with the vast majority of its entertainment and profits coming from gambling on games of chance. While musical shows, lighted fountains, shopping centers and elaborate themes help draw in the crowds, it’s the games of chance like slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno that provide the billions in annual profits for casino owners.

Given the large amounts of money handled within a casino, security is a major concern. There is always the possibility that patrons will attempt to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other players or on their own. Casinos devote a great deal of time and effort to prevent these activities. In addition to a strong police presence, casinos employ a variety of surveillance and other security measures.

Casinos were once a staple of the mob’s business empires, but with increased government crackdowns and the rise of real estate investors and hotel chains with deeper pockets than the gangsters, casinos moved away from organized crime control and into the mainstream of commerce. They have grown to be massive, opulent places with endless rows of gambling machines and table games, as well as luxury accommodations, fine dining, spas and other entertainment offerings.