A casino is a place where people can gamble and play games of chance. It is usually associated with luxury and glamour, especially in Las Vegas, where it has become the centerpiece of a city that attracts millions of visitors every year. There are also casinos in other major party cities, such as Atlantic City and Chicago. In addition, some American Indian reservations have casinos that are exempt from state antigambling laws.

A typical casino has a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Many of them also offer entertainment, top-notch hotels and spas, and other amenities that make a visit worthwhile for tourists. Some of the larger casinos have spectacular structures, such as waterfalls or towers, or are designed in the shape of famous landmarks.

One of the most common ways a casino makes money is by comping players, or rewarding them with free goods and services. For example, players who spend a lot of time at the slot machines can get free hotel rooms, meals, tickets to shows, or even airline tickets. The value of a comp depends on how much the player is spending, and it can vary from casino to casino.

There are several security measures in place to protect patrons and staff at a casino. These include security cameras and rules of conduct and behavior. Some casinos are also protected by a private security force hired by the owner. Mob involvement in casinos in the past gave rise to the term mafia casino, but real estate investors and hotel chains with deep pockets bought out the mobsters and now run most of the existing casinos.