A casino is a facility where a variety of games of chance are played. It is a place where gambling is legal, and it may be combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Casinos also offer free or discounted food and drink, shows, and other entertainment to attract customers. They are regulated by law and overseen by gaming commissions or authorities. The games of chance offered in casinos include poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and video slots.

Most casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating and stealing by patrons. These security measures often start on the casino floor, where employees watch players and their behavior. They look for patterns in the way patrons shuffle, deal, and place their bets. They also notice when a player seems to be trying to steal chips from other players or change the odds of a game. Casinos also have high-tech surveillance systems that can be adjusted to watch a specific table, doorway, or window.

Because casino games have mathematically determined odds, it is virtually impossible for a patron to win more money than the house can afford to pay out. As a result, casinos rarely lose money and are able to give away generous comps (free goods or services) to big bettors. These include free hotel rooms, meals, show tickets, and limo service. A comp is typically worth about 10 percent of the amount a player gambles in one visit.