A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Many casinos are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events.

In the United States, casino games are regulated by state and local laws. Most state governments regulate the number of casinos, and some even prohibit or limit their operations. Most state regulators use a licensing system to ensure that the casinos operate fairly and responsibly.

Casinos are also required to follow safe gambling standards and provide links, tips, and other tools for responsible play. They are also expected to offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and e-wallets.

Modern casinos make extensive use of technology to monitor and control patron activity. For example, video cameras are used to monitor the gaming floor for suspicious or unauthorized behavior; in some games, players’ betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that allows them to be tracked minute by minute; and roulette wheels are electronically monitored to quickly discover any deviations from their expected results. These systems can reduce the likelihood of cheating by staff or patrons, as well as prevent a large win from becoming a runaway loss. For this reason, casino security is typically divided between a physical security force and a specialized surveillance department. In addition, some casinos have catwalks in their ceilings that allow surveillance personnel to look down through one-way glass at the tables and slots.