A casino, or gambling establishment, is a place where gambling-related entertainment takes place. Modern casinos are like indoor amusement parks for adults and are the source of billions in profits every year. Slot machines, black jack, roulette, craps and keno are just some of the games that can be found at these establishments.

In addition to offering a variety of gaming options, most casinos have restaurants, bars, non-gambling game rooms, swimming pools and other amenities that make them attractive to entire families. They also employ high-level security to prevent cheating, stealing and other criminal activity. Casinos have always been a popular form of gambling, but they became more prevalent as real estate investors and hotel chains realized the potential profits of these facilities.

Because large amounts of money are involved, patrons and staff at casinos may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is why most casinos spend a lot of money on security. Video cameras are a common feature of casino floors, and electronic systems keep track of bets minute by minute to detect any anomaly. Roulette wheels are electronically monitored for statistical deviations, and card tables require players to place bets by pushing buttons.

In the United States, the number of casinos has increased rapidly as state legislatures have liberalized their anti-gambling laws. Some casinos are located on American Indian reservations, which are not subject to state prohibitions on gaming. Others are built in tourist destinations, such as Las Vegas.