The term Casino is used to refer to establishments where various gambling activities take place. These are usually built near or combined with hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. Some casinos also host live entertainment like stand-up comedy, concerts and sports.

Gambling is popular in many countries and has a long history. Some cultures and societies have a tradition of gambling as part of their culture, while others forbid it or limit it to certain circumstances. Casinos are commercial enterprises and, as such, they need to generate enough revenue to stay in business. Casinos use a variety of marketing tactics to attract customers and drive their revenues, including traditional media such as newspapers and billboards, as well as internet advertising, contests or sweepstakes, celebrity endorsements, in-store promotions, and more.

In the United States, a majority of casinos are located in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. However, more and more people are discovering that gambling opportunities exist in cities and towns across the country, with some even offering luxury amenities.

The modern casino is a complex facility that is designed to provide gamblers with an immersive experience. It is common for casinos to offer multiple forms of gaming, such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. The games are usually operated by trained employees, and patrons may purchase chips or tickets that allow them to play the games. Because of the large amounts of money handled within casinos, patrons and staff are sometimes tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. This is why most casinos employ extensive security measures, which include a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department.