A casino is a gambling establishment where patrons place bets on games of chance, in some cases with an element of skill. The term is also used for card rooms, keno halls, and other gaming facilities.

The casino industry has grown rapidly since it was first introduced to the United States. The industry is dominated by the Las Vegas Valley, although Atlantic City, New Jersey, and some Native American casinos have gained market share in recent years.

Casinos use a variety of security measures to protect their patrons and property. They have extensive surveillance systems and a staff of trained personnel to spot and prevent cheating and theft. They also have special rules of conduct and behavior for players to follow, and monitor player’s accounts to make sure they are not spending more than they win. In addition, security measures include electronic devices that prevent players from placing bets without a dealer present.

Most games in a casino have built in statistical advantages for the house, which makes it impossible for the patrons to win in the long run. This advantage, which is known as the house edge, can be a small amount but it adds up over time and the millions of bets placed by patrons. In some games, such as poker, the house takes a percentage of each pot or a flat hourly fee called the rake. Despite these advantages, it is not uncommon for the casino to lose money on a given day, but overall, it is expected to earn a profit.