A casino is a public place where various games of chance are played. Though modern casinos are usually regarded as places to gamble, they have long included entertainment and dining facilities, too. Some are even full-blown resorts that allow you to take in a show, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and relax in a world-class spa after a few spins on the slot machines.

A modern casino is a large building that houses gambling and other games of chance, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, keno, and more. It also includes a range of other entertainment options such as restaurants, bars, and performances from pop, rock, and jazz artists.

Most countries changed their laws in the 20th century to permit casinos, which are often built as extravagant monuments complete with fountains, towers, replicas of famous landmarks, and more. A casino’s success depends on its ability to attract patrons, generate revenue, and offset costs. Almost every game offers the casino a statistical advantage, which can be small (lower than two percent), but adds up over time to make a substantial amount of money that can be used for lavish inducements to big bettors in the form of free spectacular entertainment and transportation, hotel rooms, and reduced-fare transportation and luxury living quarters.

Because casinos handle large amounts of cash, they must be secure. They have a dedicated security department, which is usually divided into a physical force and a specialized surveillance department that runs the casino’s closed circuit television system. Casinos are also patrolled by regular police forces and armed security guards. In addition, there are rules and conduct that casinos expect their patrons to follow to keep them safe and deter crime.