The word casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming palace, refers to an establishment where people can gamble by playing games of chance or skill. Casinos offer a variety of entertainment options, including poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, craps, and video slots. In addition, some casinos feature live sports betting and offer horse race wagering. Some also have theaters for live performances. In the United States, casinos can be found in several cities and on American Indian reservations, where state laws do not prohibit them.

Most casinos rely on the fact that people are compelled to spend money on games of chance, even when they lose. To lure in patrons, they offer a variety of complimentary or “comp” items, such as free drinks and snacks. They may also provide lavish inducements, such as free shows or hotel rooms.

In order to prevent cheating or bribery, casinos employ an extensive security system. Cameras monitor the entire casino floor from an observation room, and are able to zoom in on specific suspects. Casinos may also use a high-tech eye-in-the-sky system that allows security personnel to view every table and window at once from a central control room.

Until recently, many of the world’s most famous casinos were run by mafia families. However, with the rise of real estate investors and hotel chains, mob involvement has become less common. As a result, the major casinos are now often owned by large corporate entities that do not have mob connections and are subject to federal anti-mob rules.