A casino is a place where people can gamble by using chips to bet on games of chance. Casinos usually offer slot machines, table games (such as blackjack and roulette), and sometimes entertainment shows. The modern casino industry is highly regulated and secure. Regulatory bodies scrutinize operations, and a sophisticated network of surveillance cameras keeps an eye on everyone. Casinos also enforce rules that thwart fraud and prevent underage gambling.

Casinos are primarily businesses, and they make billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. They also rake in billions of dollars in taxes and fees. The success of a casino depends on the number of people who visit it and spend money.

Security at a casino starts with employees monitoring patrons closely to spot any blatant cheating, such as palming cards or marking dice. A casino’s surveillance technology can also be used to detect subtler forms of cheating, such as betting patterns. Casinos also use their technology to monitor the actual games themselves. For example, a casino’s computerized system can track the exact amount wagered minute-by-minute on each game and alert the staff to any discrepancies.

The most popular casino games are poker, baccarat, and craps. In the United States, most casinos feature these three games, along with blackjack and roulette. Many of these casinos also offer Far Eastern games, such as sic bo, tai chi fan tan, and pai gow.