A casino is a gambling establishment that offers the opportunity to play a variety of games of chance. In the United States, a casino is a gaming establishment that is licensed and regulated by state laws. It is possible for patrons to win large sums of money, and the casinos have security measures in place to prevent cheating and theft.

Aside from gambling, many casinos also offer other forms of entertainment. Some offer a nightclub-like atmosphere with live music and dance floors, while others feature large theaters that showcase popular musical acts and comedy shows. The majority of casinos, however, feature first-rate restaurants and bars.

As a result of the large amounts of money that pass through their facilities, casinos are subject to an increased risk of crime. Both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, casinos invest a significant amount of time and money into security measures. The most common measure is the use of cameras throughout the facility.

In addition to the security measures, casinos employ a number of technological systems to ensure that the results of the games are fair. For example, the shuffles of cards are recorded electronically, and roulette wheels are monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviation from their expected outcomes. Casinos also rely on electronic systems to monitor betting, enabling them to track the exact amounts wagered minute by minute and spot suspicious activity.