A casino is a gambling establishment that offers patrons a chance to gamble by playing games of chance or skill. The gambling is done with real money and is governed by rules of conduct and the law. Casinos make billions of dollars each year for the companies that operate them, their investors, and the people who play in them.

Casinos are a major source of income for many governments. They affect property values in surrounding areas and create jobs, especially for men. They are also a popular tourist attraction. Some casinos are owned by private corporations, while others are operated by Native American tribes or public agencies.

Most casinos have gaming tables where small groups of people gather to play table games such as craps, roulette, and poker. Slot machines, video poker, and blackjack are other common casino games. The casinos earn money by charging players a commission, or “house edge,” on their wagers. Some casinos have live dealers for some table games and offer free food and drinks.

In addition to traditional games, modern casinos employ technology to ensure fairness and security. Some have cameras in the gaming area that monitor players and the games for signs of cheating or collusion. Others have chips that are tracked electronically to reveal any statistical deviation from expected results. Computer systems also keep track of the amount of money wagered on each game, the number of wins and losses, and other statistics.