A casino is a gambling establishment, usually located in or combined with hotels and resorts. It features games of chance such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines, along with other specialized gaming activities. Casinos are also known for hosting entertainment events like concerts and stand-up comedy shows.

A modern casino is heavily reliant on technology, using cameras to monitor the games and specialized systems for overseeing bets. Chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to know exactly what is being wagered minute by minute, and specialized computers can detect any statistical deviation from expected results. Besides the obvious security measures, many casinos employ rules of conduct to prevent cheating and other types of corruption.

While most people think of Las Vegas when they hear the word casino, gambling facilities exist in a variety of places and situations. Venice, Monaco, Singapore — even a former military base in Oklahoma — have all been home to successful casinos.

In the United States, the legal age for entering a casino and gambling varies by state, but typically is 21 or older. In some countries, the age is 18. Casinos are often located near or combined with other tourist attractions such as resorts and hotels, and can be very luxurious in appearance. They are most often operated by private companies, but some are public corporations. The business of running a casino is highly competitive, and the industry is regulated by both federal and local government agencies.