A casino is an establishment that allows gambling. There are many games that may be played in a casino, including roulette, blackjack, and poker. Most of these games have mathematically determined odds that give the house an advantage over players. This advantage is known as the house edge. Casinos also pay out winnings to players. The percentage of funds returned to players is called the payout percentage.

Some casinos are also known for hosting live entertainment events, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sports matches. The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, for example, has been featured in numerous novels and films, most notably in the James Bond series.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with each other or independently. To combat this, casinos have various security measures in place, the most basic of which are cameras located throughout the facility. Some casinos also have catwalks that allow surveillance personnel to look directly down on the gaming tables and machines through one-way glass.

Although there are casinos in many places, a few cities have become especially well-known as centers for gambling. Las Vegas, Nevada, is the most famous of these, followed by Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Chicago. Gambling is legal in 40 states, and the number continues to grow as more states seek to legalize it. The popularity of casinos has also created problems in some communities, such as an increase in crime and a deterioration of property values.