A casino is a gambling establishment that offers a variety of games of chance, such as roulette, blackjack, poker and craps. Some casinos also feature traditional Far Eastern games, such as two-up (Australia), fan-tan, and pai-gow. In modern times, a casino may have a high-tech surveillance system with an “eye-in-the-sky” capability.

Casinos often offer free food and drinks to keep patrons inside, which can reduce the house edge. In addition, they can make money by selling chips that players use instead of cash to place their bets. This practice transforms money into an abstraction and can discourage cheating or theft.

Some people find casino gambling to be addictive, and studies suggest that a substantial percentage of casino profits are generated by compulsive gamblers. The societal costs of treating problem gambling and the lost productivity from workers addicted to gambling can offset any profits gained by the casino.

The United States has the world’s largest casino industry. Its revenues are derived mainly from gambling, with the most popular casino games being slot machines, black jack, roulette and craps. Some American casinos specialize in specific games; for example, Atlantic City is known for its baccarat, while Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut is home to the largest casino in America, which features 400 tables and 6300 slot machines. In addition, most US casinos feature table games such as baccarat, blackjack, and poker. Some of these table games have strict rules that must be followed, while others are based on luck and strategy.