A 21st-century casino is a place where gamblers compete against the house, the banker, or both. In the United States, the character of a casino is nearly the same as in Europe, as almost every country passed laws to legalize casinos in the last century. In the United Kingdom, licensed gambling clubs have operated since 1960; membership is required to visit a casino. France legalized casinos in 1933, and today boasts some of the most famous European casinos.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board, which regulates casinos, divides Clark County into seven market regions. Outside Las Vegas, casinos have expanded, mainly due to the growth of Native American gaming. As casinos deal with large amounts of currency, they are vulnerable to theft, cheating, and other forms of unauthorized behavior. Despite this, most casinos have security measures in place, including surveillance cameras and video surveillance. Nevertheless, some risks are inevitable, and the best way to minimize them is to choose a time when the casino is least crowded.

Casinos are public spaces where gambling is the main activity. They often offer luxuries, including free drinks and stage shows. Some casinos also offer entertainment, like concerts, live shows, and dance shows. Some casinos feature live entertainment and other attractions, such as restaurants and shopping malls. A casino can be found in almost any city. Its popularity has grown to the point where it is a legitimate business, often surrounded by other businesses, such as hotels and restaurants.