A casino is a gambling establishment offering a wide variety of games of chance. The best known of these are poker, blackjack, and roulette. Other games may include baccarat, craps, and sic bo. The casino industry has grown to be one of the most lucrative in the world. It brings in billions of dollars each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that operate them. It also brings in tens of millions of dollars each year for state and local governments through taxes and fees.

Many casinos are located in beautiful resort towns or in areas that draw tourists. Las Vegas is probably the best-known example, but it is by no means the only casino town. Atlantic City, New Jersey; Chicago; and a number of other cities all have casinos. Some are even built into hotels and resorts.

Most modern casinos employ extensive use of technology. Video cameras monitor casino activities, and electronic systems in the tables track the exact amount of money wagered minute by minute and warn players of any anomalies. In addition, chips with built-in microcircuitry interact with electronic systems to allow casinos to oversee their own table game results.

Although gambling is a popular pastime, the odds are always against game players in the long run. Despite this, some people still enjoy the excitement of trying their luck at a casino. In March 2002, a Gemini Research report reported that 30% of Nevada respondents who admitted to participation in casino gambling said they preferred to play slot machines. Card games like blackjack and poker ranked second, while lottery-like games such as bingo and keno and gambling on sporting and racing events took the third and fourth slots.