A casino (or gaming house) is an establishment for certain types of gambling. These may be standalone facilities, or part of a hotel, restaurant, or tourist attraction. In some countries, casinos are licensed by a public body, and are required to abide by local laws and regulations. In others, they are unlicensed and are run by private individuals. Some casinos specialize in particular types of games, such as horse racing or poker.

The majority of casinos offer a variety of gambling activities. These include table games, such as blackjack and craps; gaming machines, such as slots and video poker; and random number games, such as roulette and baccarat. Some casinos also provide skill-based games, in which players compete against the house rather than against each other. These games often feature an inherent long-term advantage for the house, which is offset by a commission on winning bets, known as the vigorish. Players who possess sufficient skills to eliminate this advantage are referred to as “advantage players”.

Modern technology has increased the speed and accuracy of casino operations. For example, in the United States, casinos use systems that monitor player activity and compare it to the expected statistical patterns of each game. This information is gathered in order to identify and correct any deviations from expected outcomes. Additionally, casino chips with built-in microcircuitry allow the casinos to track the exact amounts wagered minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any anomalies.