A casino is a building or room where people play gambling games. The term is also used for places that host gambling events, such as a poker tournament or an exhibition race. In the United States, casinos are regulated by state laws.

The casino industry is a significant source of employment in many states, especially those with large numbers of Native American tribes. These jobs include gaming floor attendants, dealers, and managers. In addition, the industry employs mathematicians and computer programmers who analyze casino data to determine house edges and variance (how much money a player will lose over time).

In order to ensure fair play for all patrons, some casinos use technology that can detect patterns of behavior or betting. For example, the casino may monitor game play with cameras in the ceiling. These cameras can be adjusted to focus on suspicious patrons by security workers in a separate room filled with banks of security monitors. Casinos may also use “chip tracking” systems to oversee the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute and alert management of any anomalies; or roulette wheels are electronically monitored for statistical deviations.

The most common casino games are blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Some casinos offer live dealer games that allow players to interact with a real person via video stream, providing a more authentic experience. Other games include sports betting, which allows players to wager on a wide range of events, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, horse racing, and soccer.