A Casino is a gambling establishment where customers gamble using cash or casino chips. The games played in a casino are based on chance and are conducted by trained casino employees called croupiers or dealers. There are three main categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. In the United States, casino games are regulated by state law.

In the twenty-first century, casinos are becoming increasingly choosy about who they allow to gamble. High rollers, who spend tens of thousands of dollars or more per visit, are favored and often allowed to play in special rooms where the minimum bet is much lower. These players make up a significant portion of a casino’s profits and are offered generous comps (gifts) to lure them back.

Most modern casinos have a variety of security measures in place to protect their guests and property. These may include a physical security force and/or specialized surveillance departments that monitor the casino floor through closed circuit television. Some casinos also have catwalks in the ceiling that allow security personnel to look directly down on table and slot machine action from above.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for many cities and states. They are often located in areas with a large population of people who enjoy gambling, such as Las Vegas, Nevada; Macau, East Asia; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Some states have legalized casino gambling, while others have prohibited it.