A casino is an establishment where people can gamble and take chances on games of chance. These games include blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, craps and more. Casinos also offer dining, entertainment and other amenities. They are often located in large resorts or hotels, but can also be found on boats and barges or even at racetracks. They are operated by private companies, investors, tribes and state governments. They bring in billions of dollars each year for their owners.

The gambling operations at a casino are usually closely regulated by government authorities. Most casinos employ high-tech monitoring systems to oversee the games. For example, casino chips with built-in microcircuitry allow casinos to track the exact amounts wagered minute by minute; electronic systems monitor roulette wheels to discover any statistical deviations from their expected performance. Casinos rely on these systems to protect the integrity of their games and to provide accurate information to gamblers.

Casinos rely on high-stakes gamblers to generate most of their revenue. They lure these big bettors with a variety of perks, including free hotel rooms and suites, meals and drinks, shows and transportation. They also encourage regular spending with loyalty programs that reward players for their spending habits, similar to airline frequent-flyer programs.

Successful casinos are a major source of income for their owners, investors and state and local governments. However, they are not without their dark side. Some casinos are run by mobster families, while others are owned by large corporations, investment funds and real estate developers.