A casino, or gambling house, is an establishment that offers various forms of gaming, such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and poker. Casinos are also known for their entertainment options, such as live music and shows. In addition to gambling, some casinos are also open to the general public for other activities such as dining and shopping.

In modern times, casinos use a variety of technological measures to ensure security and fairness. These include video cameras in the casino floor, which can be monitored by surveillance workers in a room filled with banks of monitors, or even remotely from another location via satellite. Casinos use electronic systems in table games, such as “chip tracking” where betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with slot machines or roulette wheels to allow the casino to oversee the exact amounts being wagered minute by minute and detect any statistical deviations; and they often have catwalks in the ceiling which allow surveillance personnel to look down on patrons at tables and slot machines through one way glass.

Although many people enjoy gambling and are attracted to the glamour of casinos, some have problems with compulsive gambling. These problem gamblers are estimated to account for about five percent of casino patrons, but generate 25 percent of casino profits. Critics argue that the economic benefit of a casino does not offset the cost of treating problem gamblers and the loss in productivity caused by their addiction.