A casino is a building or room where gambling takes place. Some casinos are operated by government-licensed entities, while others are private businesses. Most states regulate the number of people who can enter the facility. Some also limit the types of games available. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. They may also be located on cruise ships or in international destinations. Some cities, such as Monte Carlo, are known primarily for their casinos.

Some casinos use specialized surveillance systems to monitor the activity within their buildings. These may include closed circuit television (CCTV), a network of cameras positioned throughout the casino floor, and catwalks that allow security personnel to look down directly on the tables and slot machines from above. Some casinos also employ dedicated game monitoring stations, where players watch games on large screens and can request live dealer assistance.

There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are played by one patron at a time and do not involve any interaction with casino employees. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve competing against the house and are conducted by croupiers. Random number games are based on the selection of numbers from a computerized random number generator or other gaming equipment.

While most casino games have an element of chance, some have a greater emphasis on skill. These include blackjack, video poker, baccarat, and roulette. In games such as poker, the house earns a commission on each bet, which is called the rake. As such, the average house edge in these games is relatively high compared to other casino games.