A casino is a place where people can play various gambling games, especially card games. The word is believed to come from the Italian noun cazino, meaning “little house.” It can also be translated as “gambling establishment” or simply “gambling hall.” Unlike a poker room or a billiards table, a casino offers much more than just a game of chance; it is often an entire entertainment experience.

In the United States, there are many different types of casinos. Some are standalone, while others are part of larger resorts or hotels. Some casinos specialize in certain types of gambling, such as baccarat and blackjack. Other casinos focus on the presentation of shows and other forms of entertainment.

Despite the many different types of casinos, there are some things that are universally true of them all. For one, the casinos have to make a profit to survive. This is done through the house edge, which is the expected gross profit on all bets placed by patrons.

Casinos must also be able to guard against cheating and theft by patrons and employees, either in collusion or independently. They can accomplish this through a variety of means, including cameras in every area of the facility. Some have catwalks above the casino floor, which allow security workers to look down through one-way glass on table and slot activity.

Aside from offering a wide selection of casino games, an online casino must offer a number of other benefits to attract players. This includes a variety of payment methods, fast and safe transactions, and the ability to use local currency.