A casino is a gambling establishment that offers various types of casino games. These include gaming machines, table games and random number games. Gaming machines are electronic devices that allow patrons to place wagers at a variety of different denominations and do not require the involvement of casino employees. Table games such as blackjack and craps involve one or more players who compete against the house and require some degree of skill. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers by a computerized random number generator.

In the United States, casinos are legal in twenty-three states. Most offer a wide range of games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Some also offer bingo and other entertainment. Many of these casinos have restaurants, bars and other amenities that appeal to tourists and locals alike.

A modern casino has several departments that oversee security. These typically include a physical security force and a specialized department that uses closed circuit television to monitor the casino floor for suspicious or definite criminal activity. The specialized department is often run by mathematicians or computer programmers with expertise in the field of gaming analysis.

Some casinos feature games of chance, which have a mathematically determined long-term advantage for the casino, known as the house edge or vigorish. Other casinos have a skill element, in which case the player can reduce this house edge through good playing strategies. This type of player is sometimes referred to as an advantage gambler or a professional gambler.