A casino is a gambling establishment where people can play various games of chance for money. Some casinos also have restaurants, shopping centers and stage shows. A casino is usually built near or combined with hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other tourist attractions. It may also host live entertainment events such as stand-up comedy and concerts.

The most famous casino is in Monte Carlo, in the Principality of Monaco. It was the first place where modern roulette, baccarat and blackjack were played. Today, these games are played in most countries around the world.

In addition to slots and video poker, the biggest casino companies in the United States also operate some of the most popular table games in Las Vegas and across the country. The largest is Caesars Entertainment, which owns the Caesars Palace, Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands among many others on the Strip. It has recently launched online gambling platforms for real money in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

A casino’s main source of income comes from its patrons’ gambling activities. While a variety of other amenities help attract and keep players, the casino’s edge in games such as roulette, craps, keno and blackjack (and poker when played against another player) gives it the profit that supports its luxury accoutrements such as fountains, lighted buildings and replicas of famous landmarks.

Modern casinos are run by a mix of physical security forces and specialized surveillance departments that work together to prevent crime. The security forces patrol the premises and respond to calls for assistance or reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity, while the surveillance department oversees the casino’s closed circuit television system, known as the “eye in the sky”.