A casino, also known as a gambling hall, is an establishment where people can play various games of chance for real money. Some casinos offer live entertainment, such as concerts and stand-up comedy. Other casinos specialize in table games like blackjack and roulette. They also offer slot machines, video poker, and other specialty games.

Most modern casinos have several security measures in place. These include closed-circuit television and other surveillance systems. In addition, casino employees are trained to spot suspicious behavior and alert security personnel. Some casinos have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look down, through one-way glass, on players at table games and slot machines.

The casino industry is highly regulated in many states. In the United States, Las Vegas is famous for its casinos. Other popular destinations for casino gambling are Atlantic City, New Jersey; Macau, China; and Reno, Nevada. Some casinos are owned by large hotel and resort chains; others are independent.

In addition to casino-specific security features, many casinos use technology to monitor and supervise the games themselves. For example, some betting chips have built-in microcircuitry that interacts with electronic systems in the tables to oversee the exact amounts wagered minute by minute; and the spinning of roulette wheels is electronically monitored regularly to discover any statistical deviations from expected results.

Casinos are a major source of revenue for some governments and provide jobs and tax revenues to local communities. However, they can also be addictive and lead to financial ruin for gamblers and their families. Despite this, casino gambling is still legal in most jurisdictions, and some states have specialized legislation to regulate it.