A casino, or gambling hall, is a place where people can enjoy a variety of games of chance and where gambling is the primary activity. In addition to gambling, some casinos also offer other entertainment events such as shows and fine dining. Casinos are most often found in cities with long gambling traditions, such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New Orleans.

A modern casino is a high-tech facility with surveillance systems, computerized betting and a wide range of electronic games. The technology allows for more accurate tracking of betting and winnings, as well as catching cheating and collusion. It is common for modern casinos to have several hundred different games available, including slot machines, table games and video poker. Some of these games have built-in microcircuitry that makes it possible to monitor the exact amounts bet minute by minute. Roulette wheels and dice are regularly monitored to detect any statistical deviations that would signal cheating or fraud.

Casinos make money by charging a commission on bets. This is commonly known as the vig or rake, and it can vary depending on the game and the house’s advantage. For example, craps has a very large house edge, while blackjack and roulette have much lower ones. Casinos also collect fees on other bets, such as those on sports and horse races, and sometimes give out free items or “comps” to attract customers.