A casino or gambling house is an establishment that offers various types of gambling. It may also be integrated with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships and other tourist attractions. Casinos are most commonly found in the United States, but are also widespread in other countries around the world. Casinos are regulated by law in most jurisdictions. Some casinos are owned by governments, while others are operated by private companies.

Most casino games provide a predictable long-term advantage to the house, or “house edge”. However, some have skill elements that can give players an edge over the house. In some cases, players are able to eliminate the house edge entirely, or at least reduce it to a very low level. These players are referred to as advantage players.

Casinos typically have security measures to prevent cheating and stealing by patrons and staff. They employ a variety of methods, including the use of video cameras. Some casinos have specialized security personnel called gaming analysts or gaming mathematicians to oversee the games and to detect any deviations from expected outcomes.

Casinos have evolved from their early days as simple gambling halls. Many have now expanded to become full-fledged resorts with multiple entertainment facilities and dining options. Some even have golf courses and spas. They are popular with tourists and locals alike. While some people still visit them solely to gamble, a large number of people are now visiting casinos for a much wider range of activities.