A casino is a gambling establishment where people wager money on games of chance. In some countries, casinos are regulated by government agencies. In other cases, they are private enterprises owned by individuals or groups. Some casinos also offer entertainment such as shows or tournaments. Some are located in major cities, while others are located in rural areas.

Some of the most popular casino games are blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. Other games include poker, video slots, and sports betting. Casinos are operated by a combination of human and mechanical employees, known as dealers or croupiers. Some machines are run by computers, using a random number generator, or RNG. A croupier mixes and deals cards in card games.

Many modern casinos have a dedicated security force and specialized surveillance department that work closely together. This is especially important considering the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino environment. Cheating or stealing by patrons and employees is a common problem in casinos, and security measures are designed to deter this behavior.

Gambling is a popular pastime worldwide, and there are countless casinos to choose from. Some are world-famous, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which first gained popularity when it was featured in the movie Ocean’s 11. Other casinos attract high rollers with luxury amenities and sophisticated card rooms. Still others have more of a local focus, such as the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany’s Black Forest region.