A casino is a facility for gambling. Most casinos offer a wide variety of games, such as roulette, blackjack, craps, and slot machines. Some casinos also feature live entertainment, such as stand-up comedy, concerts, and sporting events. Casinos are located in cities, resorts, cruise ships, and private islands. In the United States, some casinos are licensed and regulated by state governments, while others are unlicensed and operate on tribal land.

Historically, casinos have been magnets for illicit activities, such as illegal gambling and money laundering. To combat these activities, modern casinos employ a variety of security measures. For example, some use video surveillance to monitor patrons and employees. Others have a uniformed security force that patrols the property. Still others have a specialized surveillance department that operates the casino’s closed-circuit television system.

Some casinos are famous for their glamorous locations, such as the Casino di Venezia on Venice’s Grand Canals. The Mauro Codussi-designed building was originally part of the Teatro Saint Moses, and the casino was used during performance intermissions.

Several other casinos are located in exotic destinations, such as the Casino de Monte Carlo on the French Riviera. These casinos cater to visitors seeking a unique experience, and the high-roller VIP rooms add to their opulence. In the United States, casino gambling is a major source of revenue in Nevada, followed by New Jersey and Atlantic City. In addition, many American Indian reservations operate casinos, which are exempt from state anti-gambling laws.