A casino is a gambling establishment that features blackjack, roulette, poker and other games of chance. It also provides entertainment and other amenities to its customers. Casinos are most often located in urban areas and are visited by tourists and locals alike. Guests can enjoy various activities at the casino, such as musical shows and lighted fountains. Some casinos feature restaurants, shopping centers and hotels.

In the past, many casinos were run by mafia-type figures. This was partly due to the fact that organized crime had plenty of cash from their drug dealing and extortion rackets. The mob invested heavily in Reno and Las Vegas, where the casinos were legal and not subject to state anti-gambling laws. The mob also controlled the croupiers and other gaming staff at these casinos.

Today, casinos are increasingly using technology to ensure the fairness of their games. For example, chip tracking systems allow casinos to monitor the exact amounts wagered minute by minute and to detect any anomalies. In addition, roulette wheels are electronically monitored to discover quickly any statistical deviation from their expected results. Casinos also use video cameras to supervise the action.

Casinos earn their money from the profits generated by the millions of bets made by their customers. Although casinos feature a variety of attractions, such as elaborate hotels and fountains, most of their profits are earned by games of chance, such as slots, baccarat, craps, roulette and blackjack. In addition, they collect a commission, known as the vig or rake, from players playing certain games.