A casino, also known as a gambling establishment, is a public place where people can gamble and play games of chance. It’s a lot more glamorous than your grandmother’s bingo hall, but even she and her friends could take weekend bus trips to the nearest one.

Modern casinos are often huge complexes featuring a wide range of games. Many feature restaurants, bars and dramatic scenery to attract customers. Some even host stage shows and other entertainment. In addition to the traditional table games like blackjack and roulette, they usually offer an array of electronic and video games.

The biggest casinos are found in the United States. The most famous is probably the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which features a large casino with dancing fountains and high-end dining options. The casino has been featured in several movies including Ocean’s Eleven.

Casinos make money by charging a small percentage of every bet. This charge is sometimes called the house edge or vig. It gives the casino a virtual guarantee of gross profit, which allows them to spend billions on extravagant hotels, fountains and replicas of famous landmarks.

Because so much currency is handled in a casino, there is always the potential for cheating and stealing. To reduce these risks, the majority of casinos employ a physical security force as well as a specialized surveillance department. These departments work closely together to ensure the safety of patrons and property. Some casinos use an elaborate system of closed circuit television, known as the eye in the sky, to monitor all areas of the casino simultaneously.