A casino, also known as a gambling house or a gaming hall, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. The term is a French diminutive of casa de gioco, which means “house of games.” Some casinos are integrated into hotels and resorts, while others stand alone. A casino may also host live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy and concerts. In some countries, casinos are regulated by government agencies. Security in a casino is enhanced by cameras and other technology, but most casinos depend on the honesty of patrons and staff to deter cheating and theft.

There are many different ways to gamble at a casino, but the most popular options are slots, table games and poker. Casinos can be found all over the world, and some of them are quite spectacular. Some, like the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, are built into the side of a hill. Others, like the Hotel Lisboa in Macao, are designed to be a striking landmark among the cityscape.

There is one certainty about gambling at a casino, and that is that the house always wins. Every game has a mathematical expectancy that ensures that the casino will make a gross profit, even if no bet is placed. In order to offset this inherent edge, casinos offer bettors lavish inducements, such as free or reduced-fare transportation and elegant living quarters. Other incentives include free or reduced-price meals and drinks while gambling. These inducements are sometimes offered to major bettors only.