A casino is a gambling establishment that offers games of chance and accepts wagers. It may offer a variety of services to players including food, drinks, and entertainment. Some casinos also have sports betting and horse racing. Some of these establishments have been around for centuries, while others are newer. Many of these places have luxurious surroundings and provide a variety of activities.

In the early days of legalized gambling, mobsters provided much of the initial capital for casinos in Nevada and Las Vegas. Mob money lent a shady air to casinos and added to their seamy image. Mobsters were interested in more than just providing funds to a gambling business, however, and became highly invested. They owned or took part ownership in some casinos and influenced the decisions of casino staff.

Security in a casino begins with the floor employees, who keep close watch on patrons and are trained to spot cheating techniques like palming or marking cards or dice. They also watch for betting patterns that might indicate that a player is taking advantage of other players or the casino. Each table game has a manager or pit boss who has a broader view of the game and can catch crooked dealers.

A casino is not merely a place to gamble; it also provides employment opportunities for local residents. This helps the local economy by reducing unemployment and raising wages in the immediate area. In addition, casinos contribute to the tax base in their host communities and can help governments fund essential community services or avoid cuts in other areas of government spending.