A casino is a gambling establishment that offers patrons the opportunity to play games of chance for money. These games may include dice, cards, roulette wheels, slot machines, and other devices. Most casinos also offer food and beverage services, as well as entertainment such as a show or live music. Some casinos are located within or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and/or cruise ships.

A casino’s staff is trained to detect and deter cheating or stealing by patrons, either in collusion with other players or independently. Security cameras located throughout the casino are an important part of this effort, as are rules of conduct and behavior that deter such activities.

In some casinos, special security measures are taken to protect large bettors from being cheated. For example, chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to monitor the amounts wagered minute by minute; and the results of roulette wheels are electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from expected results.

While it is not uncommon for a player to win millions of dollars at a casino, the majority of patrons lose money on a regular basis. Nevertheless, casinos are a major source of revenue for many countries and have become an important destination for tourists seeking distinctive gaming experiences. Some of the world’s most famous casinos are palatial in size and design, with amenities that far exceed those offered at home game tables and slots. Some of the most luxurious casinos also feature high-end hotel rooms, Michelin star restaurants and shopping outlets.