A casino is a gambling establishment that offers players a wide variety of games. It also features entertainment, dining and luxurious accommodations. The casino experience is so popular that it has inspired a number of movies, such as Ocean’s 11.

Casinos are governed by state or provincial laws. Most are privately owned and operated. The casinos must follow strict gaming regulations in order to maintain a license. They are also required to have adequate security measures in place to protect patrons and employees. This includes the use of security cameras throughout the facility and a strict dress code.

Because large amounts of money are handled within the casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in concert or independently. To guard against this, most casinos use sophisticated technology to monitor all of their activities. For example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry enable casinos to monitor the amount of money wagered minute by minute and detect any statistical deviation; and roulette wheels are monitored electronically for any suspicious patterns.

In the past, organized crime figures were drawn to casino gambling because of its seamy image. Mobster money flowed steadily into Reno and Las Vegas and, in many cases, gave owners the funds to expand and renovate. In addition, mafia members took sole or partial ownership of some casinos and used them as a front for illegal rackets such as drug dealing and extortion. Today, casino owners must contend with the rise of legalized sports betting, which threatens to dilute a casino’s profit margins.