A casino is an establishment where people can play games of chance for money or other prizes. Some casinos also offer live entertainment, such as concerts or comedy shows. They may also have sports betting facilities. In modern casinos, the odds of winning or losing are carefully calculated to ensure that the house does not lose money. This is known as the house edge. Casinos also earn money by charging commissions on some games, such as poker, or by taking a percentage of the bets placed on other games.

Some of the world’s most famous casinos are located in Las Vegas and other cities around the globe. The Bellagio in Las Vegas is particularly well-known for its spectacular fountain show, which has been featured in countless movies and television shows. The casino is also home to a number of luxury suites and restaurants.

Other famous casinos include the Wynn Palace in Macau, which features a massive range of gambling tables including baccarat and blackjack. This luxurious resort has also been featured in a number of movies, including Ocean’s Eleven.

The precise origin of casinos is unknown, but they appear in almost every society in one form or another. Because of the large amounts of money that are handled within a casino, both patrons and staff may be tempted to cheat or steal, either in collusion or independently; therefore most casinos have strict security measures. These include cameras and other surveillance equipment.