A Casino is a place where various gambling activities are carried out. These games are based on luck and chance, and they also involve some element of skill. These establishments are popular worldwide and attract many tourists. They offer a variety of games including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.

While a portion of profits from a casino is returned to players, the bulk of its revenue is derived from the house edge. Casinos have a built-in advantage, called the house edge, over all players and must win more than they lose.

Since casinos deal with large sums of money, they are susceptible to theft by patrons and staff. To protect themselves, they use a variety of security measures. The most basic are security cameras throughout the facility. Some casinos also use elaborate surveillance systems with monitors that can be adjusted to focus on specific patrons.

Historically, organized crime figures have financed casinos, especially in Las Vegas and Reno. They also took an active role in casino operations and sometimes became owners or part owners. Mafia-controlled casinos often had a seamy image, and they were not immune to the influence of other criminal elements, such as drug dealing and extortion.

In the 1980s, American Indian tribes began opening their own casinos. They are often located on reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws. They compete with Nevada casinos for tourist dollars and are expanding at a rapid pace. Some are full-fledged resorts with hotels, restaurants and eye-popping casino floors. Others are smaller, stand-alone facilities.