A casino is a facility that houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Its legality depends on the jurisdiction in which it is located, and casinos are typically regulated by governments at the local or state level. In the United States, a casino is a type of land-based gambling establishment that offers a variety of gaming options. Casinos are also found in many other countries and territories around the world, including those that operate offshore.

Aside from offering games of chance, casinos often offer additional amusements and entertainment. These may include restaurants, bars, and meeting facilities. In addition, some casinos feature entertainment such as live music and stage shows. Some also have recreational activities such as golf courses and swimming pools.

The profitability of casinos depends on the house edge, which is determined by mathematical odds. It is common for players to try to reduce the house edge by making optimal decisions. This is particularly true for decision-based games like blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. It is less common for table games, however, where the house makes its profit by raking (taking a percentage of each pot) or charging an hourly fee.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. To counter this, most casinos use a number of security measures, such as security cameras. Some casinos also employ a professional security staff to monitor the premises.