A casino is a place where games of chance are played, especially for money or other valuables. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. They are also known for offering a wide variety of entertainment such as concerts and stand-up comedy acts.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for some states, and many have been visited by millions of people. They are usually large, noisy and colorful places with a variety of games. Many are based in Las Vegas, where a booming gambling industry has created an economy that depends on tourists. Casinos are also found in other cities, particularly in American Indian reservations, where state antigambling laws do not apply.

In addition to the usual assortment of slot machines and table games, most casinos feature dining options ranging from upscale restaurant chains to fast food outlets, as well as bars and lounges. Many also offer a range of other entertainment, such as stage shows and dramatic scenery. Something about gambling seems to encourage cheating and stealing, which is why casinos spend so much time and effort on security.

Casinos are usually crowded and loud, but they also employ numerous technological devices to keep track of patrons and prevent them from bending the rules. These include video cameras, electronic chips with built-in microcircuitry that interact with systems in the tables to allow casinos to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute by minute and to warn them quickly of any anomalies, and electronic monitoring of roulette wheels to discover any statistical deviations from their expected results.