A casino is a place where people play games of chance for money or other prizes. The games usually involve betting on random events, and the odds of winning or losing are based on the house edge, which is the casino’s mathematical advantage over the players. Some casinos also host concerts and other entertainment events.

The largest casino in the world is the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which has made a name for itself through its dancing fountains and high-end dining options. It is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in many movies, including the classic Ocean’s 11.

There are three general categories of casino games: gaming machines, table games, and random number games. Gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko, are played by one patron at a time and do not require the involvement of croupiers or dealers. Table games, such as blackjack and craps, involve one or more players who compete against the house, with bets placed by live croupiers. Random number games are based on the selection of random numbers either from a machine or by humans.

The economic model of most modern casinos is based on the revenue generated by casino gambling, especially from slot machines and video poker. In addition, some casinos also offer sports betting, which has become increasingly popular in the United States. Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and employees may be tempted to cheat or steal from each other. In order to prevent this, most casinos employ a variety of security measures. These can include cameras, secure entrances, and rules of conduct for patrons and staff.