A casino is a place where people can play games of chance for money. It also offers other entertainment activities such as stage shows and restaurants. The term casino may also refer to an establishment that combines several of these activities, such as a hotel-casino. A few of the largest casinos in the world are located in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, while others are scattered throughout the United States and around the globe. Some casinos focus on specific types of gambling, such as slot machines or table games. Others offer a variety of gaming options, including poker and bingo.

Casinos are regulated by government agencies to ensure fairness and integrity. They employ mathematicians and computer programmers to calculate the house edge and variance of different games. This information is used to adjust the payouts on machines and make a profit. Casinos also monitor player activity to prevent cheating or collusion, and many have elaborate security systems. For example, in some casinos, cameras are mounted on the ceiling to watch every table and doorway.

In addition to surveillance and other technological measures, some casinos have policies to reward loyal patrons with free gifts or services. These are often referred to as comps. They can include anything from free hotel rooms and meals to show tickets and limo service. Some casinos even have clubs where frequent players can earn points that can be exchanged for cash or prizes. This practice has drawn criticism from economists who say that the social costs of casinos, such as increased crime and gambling addiction, outweigh any financial benefits.