A casino is an establishment for certain types of gambling. It is also known as a gaming house, a gambling hall, or a kasino. Casinos may also have other entertainment features, such as restaurants and bars, or host events such as concerts and sports games. In some countries, casinos are operated by government-owned enterprises. Other casinos are owned by private corporations. Some casinos specialize in specific types of gambling, such as horse racing or poker.

The Bellagio in Las Vegas is probably the best-known casino in the world, and is often associated with the movie Ocean’s 11. While it may seem like gambling is all that a casino offers, these massive complexes usually have much more than just slot machines and table games. In addition to luxury accommodations and high-end dining options, many offer spas, art galleries, nightclubs and shopping centers.

In games that have a skill element, the casino’s advantage is mathematically calculated and is known as the “house edge.” While some people attempt to beat the casino by using card counting techniques, these methods are generally illegal. In games of chance, the house earns money by a commission on winning bets, called a rake.

Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees are sometimes tempted to cheat or steal. Security measures include video cameras throughout the building, as well as special security chips that monitor betting patterns and alert higher-ups to any anomalies. Casinos also avoid clocks on their casino floors to prevent players from keeping track of time and thus playing for longer periods.