A casino, also known as a gambling den or a gaming hall, is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. Some casinos are large, sprawling complexes of dining, entertainment, and other attractions. Others are smaller, more specialized establishments. Several states in the United States have legalized casino gambling.

Most casinos are operated by private companies or public entities. They are regulated by law to ensure fairness to all patrons. Many casinos offer slot machines, table games such as blackjack and roulette, poker, and other games. Some casinos also have racetracks and sports books.

Gambling in a casino can be a highly addictive activity. Some studies have linked it to an increase in criminal behavior, such as fraud and embezzlement. The American Gaming Association reports that over half of the United States population goes to a casino at least once a year. The casino industry is a major provider of employment in the United States.

Casinos are susceptible to cheating by both patrons and staff. To prevent this, most casinos use a variety of security measures, including closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. Often, a casino’s security department is divided into a physical force that patrols the facility and a specialized surveillance department that operates the CCTV system. In addition, some casinos employ gaming mathematicians to analyze the house edge and variance of casino games. This analysis is important in determining whether or not a particular game is profitable for the casino.