A casino is a gambling establishment that allows customers to gamble by playing games of chance or skill. These games are often regulated by law in the country where they are located. The legality of casinos is debated by many governments and they are frequently a source of controversy. In addition to gambling, most casinos also offer restaurants and live entertainment. Some are open to the public while others are private clubs. Some are operated by governments, while others are owned and operated by private companies.

While some people associate casinos with seedy backroom gambling parlors, large professional casino resorts have put this stereotype to rest. They are generally safe places to eat, watch sports and other events, and to gamble. The casinos employ security guards, monitor their parking lots, and take other measures to prevent crime from afflicting their patrons. They may even host shows with big names that are broadcast to the general public through closed-circuit television.

In the United States, most casinos are built on Indian reservations and are not subject to state antigambling laws. A few are located in other countries, and some are built on riverboats that travel between casinos. Most of these casinos feature a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and video poker. Most of these games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage over the players. This advantage is called the house edge. In games such as baccarat, blackjack, and poker, the house profits from these games by taking a percentage of the winnings or charging an hourly fee to play.