A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. It is also a major tourist attraction and business center. Many casinos are located in luxurious buildings with classy furnishings and regal chandeliers. People go to a casino to try their luck at throwing dice or pulling the lever on a slot machine. Some of the more popular casinos are located in Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and Macau.

In the United States, there are over 1,000 casinos. The largest concentration is in the Las Vegas Valley, with additional large casinos in Atlantic City and Chicago. The number of casinos is growing rapidly, with 40 states now offering some form of legal gambling. Many of these jurisdictions are expanding their gaming offerings, including adding new types of games and increasing the maximum wager amounts.

Casinos are regulated by state and local governments to ensure fairness and integrity of operations. A variety of security measures are used to protect patrons and property. These include security cameras, card keys, cash registers, and specially designed roulette wheels that are electronically monitored to detect statistical deviations from expected results. Some casinos have catwalks above the games that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down, through one-way glass, on players’ actions at table and slot games.

Some casinos feature entertainment programs, such as acrobats or comedians. Others offer themed restaurants and luxury accommodations. Some have swimming pools, nightclubs and shops. Casinos may be staffed by professional dealers or trained volunteers. Because of the high volume of money handled, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently; most casinos have security measures in place to prevent this.