A casino is an establishment where people can gamble on games of chance. It is often combined with hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions. In the modern world casinos have almost a uniform character throughout the world and are licensed and regulated to ensure their integrity.

In some countries casinos are operated by the state while in others they are private enterprises. In the latter case they are also regulated and have to comply with strict rules in order to retain their licenses. In addition to physical security forces, casinos also employ specialized departments for closed-circuit television monitoring. This helps to prevent theft by both patrons and staff.

Some casino games have a built-in house advantage that allows the operator to make a profit, even when the players lose. These advantages are known as variance and house edge and they are analyzed by mathematical specialists called gaming mathematicians.

Many people who are addicted to gambling visit casinos as a way to escape their problems. They may spend several hours at a single machine in a trance-like state, unable to feel the pain of their losses. This can result in severe debts and damage to the financial health of the casino, which may then close down.

In addition to attracting customers with the appeal of high stakes, casinos also offer luxury services and facilities for those who want to gamble in style. These include opulent suites, spas and fine dining.