A casino is a building where people can gamble and play games of chance. It is usually operated by an individual or a group of individuals who have obtained a license from the government. There are many types of casinos, from small local operations to huge international megacasinos. Some are devoted solely to gambling, while others offer more recreational activities like restaurants and shopping.

Because large amounts of money are handled within casinos, security is a top priority. Cheating and stealing by patrons is common, and casinos have various measures to prevent it. These include video cameras, which watch every table and window, and elaborate systems that provide an eye-in-the-sky view of the entire casino. Some casinos also employ specialized security officers who train their attention to suspicious patrons.

In the past, organized crime figures provided much of the cash for Las Vegas and Reno casinos. They also took full or partial ownership of some, and controlled or influenced the outcomes of certain games. This tainted the image of casinos, and legitimate businessmen were reluctant to invest in them.

In the twenty-first century, however, casinos are choosier about who they allow to gamble. They focus on “high rollers,” who make substantial bets and spend a lot of time at the tables or machines. These players are rewarded with comps (free goods or services) like free rooms and meals, show tickets, limo service, and even airline tickets. Surveys indicate that female casino gamblers prefer electronic games, while men favor the table games.