A casino, also known as a gambling house, is an establishment that offers various types of gambling. These include slot machines, table games (such as poker and blackjack), and entertainment shows. In some countries, casinos are licensed and regulated by government authorities. Others are private businesses. In either case, a person must be of legal age to enter and gamble within a casino.

Casinos are usually located in areas with high levels of foot traffic and are often combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and other tourist attractions. Some casinos are known for their upscale decor and offer gourmet dining and luxury rooms. Other features may include a performance lake, botanical garden, or art gallery. In addition to gambling, many casinos host top-billed entertainment acts, from high-flying circus performers to the latest musician concerts topping the Billboard charts.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, security is an important consideration. Modern casinos have a dedicated physical security force and a specialized surveillance department that monitors activity via closed circuit television. In some cases, these departments work closely together to prevent crime. Because of the high stakes involved, casino employees and patrons may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, many casinos have strict anti-cheating policies. Guests are also encouraged to gamble responsibly and to set spending limits. In the event of a problem, a player may contact a member of the casino’s customer service staff for help.