Casino is a gambling establishment that offers an array of games of chance. These games include poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno and baccarat. The money made by casino patrons on these games is what provides the billions of dollars in profits casinos rake in every year. Casinos can also have a number of other features, including musical shows and elaborate themes that draw in the guests.

There are many casinos in the world, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are small and quaint, while others are massive. The Hippodrome in London, England, for example, is one of the oldest and most renowned casinos in the world. This massive building was originally opened in 1900 as a performance center, but it soon became known for its casino.

Most casinos offer a wide selection of gambling games, though some are more famous for certain types of games than others. For instance, roulette is a popular game in France and the United States, where the casinos reduce their advantage to less than 1 percent to encourage big bets. In addition, most American casinos feature a large amount of slot machines and (since the 1980s) video poker machines that attract high-volume players who bet in rapid succession for sums ranging from five cents to a dollar.

Casinos employ a variety of security measures to protect their patrons and property. In addition to a physical security force, they often have a specialized surveillance department that operates closed-circuit television. Because large amounts of cash are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion with other people or by acting independently.