A casino (or kasino, from Spanish) is an establishment for gambling. Casinos are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. In the past, casinos were primarily located in cities and large towns, but now they are also found near cruise ships, resorts, and other tourist attractions. Modern casinos use a variety of security measures to prevent cheating and stealing. They include physical security forces, as well as specialized departments for surveillance and other electronic monitoring of patron activities. Some have catwalks above the casino floor, allowing surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, at the table games and slot machines.

The games offered by a casino vary, depending on the region and the type of gambling. For example, in Europe, casino gambling is dominated by baccarat, while chemin de fer and blackjack are major games in America. In Asia, casinos feature traditional Far Eastern games like sic bo, fan-tan, and pai gow.

Some casinos are operated by governments, while others are private enterprises. The largest casinos in the world are based in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, while a growing number of states legalize and regulate casino gaming. Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular, with many sites offering huge bonuses and promotions to attract new customers. However, it is important to check state laws before playing for real money. Moreover, choosing the right casino depends on the player’s preferences, such as the selection of games, the location, and the overall experience.