A casino, also called a gambling house or a kasino, is an establishment for certain types of gambling. Most casinos are equipped with a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Some casinos serve food and drink, and many have shows or other entertainment. In some countries, casinos are also used for legalized sports betting.

In the United States, casinos are regulated by state and local laws. Some are owned by public corporations, while others are privately operated. Some casinos are located on American Indian reservations, which are exempt from state anti-gambling statutes. The Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is one of the most famous, featuring its fountain that’s appeared in movies like “The Hangover” and “Ocean’s 11.” This casino has 2,000 slot machines paying up to $2 million, high-limit poker rooms that attract professional players, and exclusive fashion stores for upscale shoppers.

Modern casinos are often staffed by trained security personnel, who use cameras to monitor the activities of patrons. Some casinos have catwalks built into the ceiling, allowing security personnel to look directly down through one-way glass on the table or slot machine areas. In addition, casinos employ specialized security departments that work closely with the physical security staff to respond quickly to reports of suspicious or definite criminal activity.