A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Some casinos are integrated into hotels, resorts, or other tourism infrastructure, while others stand independently. The term may also refer to an establishment that primarily offers live entertainment, such as theaters or concert halls. It may also refer to a facility for sports betting, such as a racetrack or a horse-racing track.

Most games involve some element of chance, but a substantial number of them are based largely on skill. The most popular of these are roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. The casinos make their profits in these games by taking a small percentage of each bet or, in the case of poker, by raking (taking a cut of the pot). Other casino card games, such as pai gow poker, are played against other patrons and the casino makes its profit by a commission taken from the players.

In addition to the monetary value of winnings, some gamblers are attracted by social interaction and the opportunity to develop new skills. Others are motivated by escapism, a way to navigate the stress of daily life. Hobbies like casino games help people relax, relieve stress, and even improve their decision-making skills.

Because of the large amounts of money involved, casinos must be vigilant to prevent cheating or theft. They employ a physical security force as well as specialized departments to monitor activity and respond to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.