A casino is a gambling establishment with a variety of games. These include card games such as baccarat (known in the UK as chemin de fer and in France as trente-et-quarante), roulette, and blackjack. Other games in a casino may include video poker and slot machines. Often, casinos offer incentives to big bettors in the form of free shows or luxurious living quarters. Because of the large amounts of money handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently. For this reason, casinos have strict security measures. These typically include cameras and sophisticated technological systems that monitor the game-playing activities of patrons. For example, modern slot machines have built-in microcircuitry that communicates with central computers that oversee the amount of money wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored to detect any statistical deviation from their expected results.

While Las Vegas is the best known casino city in the world, there are many more around the globe. Some of these are smaller, like the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden in Germany, or the opulent Monaco casino. Others are larger, such as the MGMGrand Casino in the US.

Casinos are becoming increasingly popular around the world, as more people are able to afford to gamble and as new laws make it easier for people to do so. They also offer a chance for people to relax, get away from their hectic lives and have some fun.