A casino, or gaming establishment, is a facility where people can gamble and play games of chance or skill. Some casinos specialize in specific games, such as poker or blackjack. Others offer a variety of gaming options, such as slot machines and table games. A large part of the success of a casino business depends on its ability to attract and retain customers. Casinos often give out complimentary items or comps to gamblers, and some even host concerts and other events. In addition, many casino design experts suggest that a pleasant environment can increase the desire to gamble.

Casinos are regulated by law in most jurisdictions. The legal age to gamble varies between 18 and 21, with some states allowing younger players to participate in certain types of gambling. Some casinos allow 18-year-olds to play slots, while others require them to be 21 or older to play table games.

The house edge in a casino game is the advantage that the casino has over the players, mathematically determined by the rules of the game and its random number generator. In skill-based games, the house edge is smaller if the player uses optimal strategy. In games where the players compete against each other, such as poker, the house earns money via a commission known as the rake.

Modern casinos have a security department that divides into a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. The physical security force patrols the premises and responds to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized surveillance department operates the casino’s closed-circuit television system, also known as CCTV.