A casino is a building or room in which gambling games are played. It may also refer to a company that operates such establishments. A casino is a popular tourist destination, and some are combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, or cruise ships. In some cases, casinos are known for their live entertainment and acrobatics, especially if they are located in Las Vegas, which is famous for its nightlife and gambling.

A number of techniques are used to prevent cheating or theft in a casino, which could result in large losses for the house. These include video surveillance, the use of chip tracking systems (which allow casino personnel to see precisely how much money is wagered on each game minute-by-minute), and electronic monitoring of roulette wheels to detect any statistical deviation from expected results.

Some casinos offer a wide variety of table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and craps. Others specialize in one or more particular types of gambling, such as horse racing or video poker. Most casinos have at least a small selection of card games, with some offering tournament play.

A casino may also serve as a meeting place for social or business groups. Such gatherings are often called casino parties or private gambling clubs. These gatherings are typically organized by a casino host, who may be the same person as the dealer or croupier. These events are sometimes held in conjunction with other casino-related activities, such as dinners or show presentations.