A casino is a gambling establishment where customers gamble by playing games of chance or skill. Most casinos offer a variety of table games, such as blackjack, roulette and poker. Some also have sports betting and horse racing. Casinos are located in cities, tourist destinations and some islands. A few are built as standalone facilities; the most famous is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.

Casinos use a number of security measures to protect their patrons and property. They employ a combination of physical and electronic means to deter criminal activity, including closed circuit television systems and an uniformed security force. The security forces patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. Some casinos have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one way glass, on the actions of players at tables and slot machines.

In addition to the traditional game rooms, some casinos have restaurants and bars. Most feature a full service bar, often with a wide selection of beers. Many also have a coffee shop. Some feature a dance floor, while others have live entertainment.

The casino business is a major source of income for some states and local governments. In some cases, the money raised from casinos is used to fund public services and projects. In other cases, it is invested back into the casino or used for additional expansion. In either case, the revenue generated from casino gambling helps keep many other businesses and services in operation.