A casino is a facility where games of chance are played and where gambling is legal. Casinos usually feature slot machines and card tables and provide high-end dining, entertainment and accommodations. Most casino games are based on chance, but some have an element of skill. In the United States casinos are generally owned by private corporations, but are licensed and regulated by state governments. A few are operated by Native American tribes. Until recently most American casinos were located in Nevada, but since the 1980s they have spread to many other states, particularly New Jersey and Atlantic City, and have also appeared on some American Indian reservations that are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.

In addition to a variety of games of chance, most modern casinos feature stage shows and other entertainment, luxurious hotels, shopping centers and elaborate fountains. The vast majority of casino profits, however, come from gambling. Slot machines, blackjack, craps, roulette, keno and baccarat are just some of the popular games that earn billions in profits for casinos every year.

While something about the ambiance of a casino encourages cheating and theft by both patrons and employees, most casinos have security measures in place to prevent this. Due to the large amounts of cash handled by casinos, both patrons and staff may be tempted to try to steal or cheat, in collusion or independently. This is why most casinos have numerous cameras in operation to monitor activity.