A casino, also known as a gambling house or a kasino (in German and Italian), is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It may be incorporated with hotels, restaurants, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. In some countries, casinos are licensed by the state and are often called governmental or territorial casinos. See “Meaning & Use” below for further information.

In the United States, a casino is usually a specialized building that holds gaming tables and offers various types of gambling-related activities. Its staff handles large amounts of money, so security is a major consideration. Casinos are frequently targeted by criminals for their perceived vulnerability to theft and fraud, as well as their association with organized crime. Consequently, they have strict security measures in place.

Most casino games are based on chance, but there is some element of skill involved in craps, roulette and blackjack, which can increase a player’s chances of winning. Most games have mathematically determined odds, which give the casino a profit over its patrons (known as the house edge). In card games such as poker, where players play against each other, the casino makes a profit through a rake taken from each pot or by charging hourly fees for playing.

The elegant spa town of Baden-Baden first became a playground for European royalty and the aristocracy 150 years ago, and it’s still a magnet for wealthy gamblers today. Its casino, which was designed to resemble the Palace of Versailles, is one of the world’s most luxurious.